12 Comments

I LOVE a short tight novel, maybe because, even though I have written a novel (which just got accepted by a publisher!), I more often write poems. Or maybe working as an editor has ruined me for long books?? Unfortunately, while reading for pleasure I often find myself thinking things like "did they really need this sentence?" or "that chapter wasn't necessary!" #editorproblems ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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Congratulations on your forthcoming publication-- that is awesome!

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Thank YOU for writing your excellent book Before and After the Book Deal, which I’m currently reading--it’s so helpful!

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Thanks for this. And thank for the permission to continue writing doorstops. 😝

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I love this, Courtney! I've noticed the difference in book lengths while perusing many a bookstores in Lisbon, and I am excited to see that you find the short novel is trending. Because, who doesn't love a short and sweet read? I hope your little one is feeling better and you can rest too. Safe travels!

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Thanks Summer!

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Written works, like visual art, should employ the form most appropriate for the author’s message/style/voice. Not the other way around.

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I loved Lincoln’s piece, and I love short novels, but I admit I was freaking out a bit about my 88k manuscript, so I’m grateful for your note at the end!

I do most of my reading digitally, and I do get a little thrill when I notice a novel is less than around 500 digital pages. There’s something so intimate about being able to read more of the story in one sitting, you know?

Some long books make every word count, but some are clearly bloated to meet industry standard. Hopefully this trend will encourage writers and publishers to let a book be whatever length is best to tell its story.

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Yes! Au-revoir Tristesse, hello short novel! Love this! Lol cause I want novels the length of Bonjour Tristesse!

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Give me (a scant) 150 pages, or give me death!

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Ha ha! Need this on a T shirt.

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Thanks for the note at the end about big fat books. Mine is big and fat and I hope it finds a home. I like reading short and long stuff and short stories as long as it's good.

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