I'm trying to find typical word counts for humor books. I know a long time ago I saw a reference to a website where you could find word counts on published books. Anyone know where that website is... or was it all just a dream?
Thanks!
Thanks!
20K sounds pretty slim to me, but humor is such a broad category, that maybe I'm misunderstanding. Is this a work of fiction? If so, I'd look for the typical length of a work of fiction, and not focus on "humorous fiction." If you're writing a collection of essays (think Dave Barry) then look for typical essay lengths. The funny will take care of itself.
One of my favorite humorous writers is P.G. Wodehouse, and both his short stories and his novel-length works crackle along. There is not "ideal" length for a Wodehouse -- the story is as long as the story needs to be, and the humor leavens it. Unless he was writing on spec, I doubt he sat down at the typewriter and said: "Right, 25K word piece. Tally ho!"
My own humor-infused book (shameless plug) is a fantasy parody type of book. It was drafted during NaNoWriMo, and after edits, comes in around 60,000 words. But that's just how long it needed to be.
20K words sounds like about 30 or so pages. Is that right? If so, it may be close for an "airport book" (the .99 cent download you read while waiting for your flight).
I'd be curious to see what others think about 30 - 40,000 words for such a book.