Ok Zion. Good luck to you. It's best to err on the side of caution, though sci fi and fantasy novels tend to be higher than 120K. I never heard of him. Maybe I don't need to cut 20K for two of my old novels, when they won't be my debuts though. But I'm going with what i've read for publishing standards these days.

That's true, zion427, I did say there were exceptions. But I don't recommend limiting your prospects by insisting on being an exception.

Kristen, I appreciate your research and opinion but as Patrick already stated there are exceptions. If there weren't, how did Garth Hallberg 's 903 page debut novel "City on Fire" get published in 2015 (and for a whopping advance)? Most novels that size are submitted with even more pages than their final number and are edited extensively before publication. I think it was agent Janet Reid who said that no matter what agents tell you about word count, if they really like the book they'll bend their rules. Would agents rather see debut works at 100,000 pages than on the heftier side? Of course but that was never the issue to begin with.

EQ 4/4/18 (Requery Chain Reaction)--same day rejection (not a good fit).

Zion, check out this article from Writer's Digest: http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/word-count-for-novels-and-childrens-books-the-definitive-post. Read it and see what I mean for debut fiction (like 60-90K), depending on the market and genre. My word counts are 100-110K (400-500 pages long), which they say it's pretty cool for them and not too high. But they would reject your novel, if you have a high word count and too long. Unless it's fantasy or sci fi, it's the only exception to the rule IMO.

That's true, Zion, there have been exceptions. But for every one there were probably thousands of failures. Why go against the odds if you don't have to. Make your debut novel as inviting as possible, then break the rules later, after you have a proven track record.

Kristen H, 110K is not the maximum word count for debut fiction. "The Art of Fielding," by Chad Harbach, at 512 pages, is just one such example. When agents/publishers agree on what they deem to be a worthwhile project, exceptions do happen.

EQ: 3/26/2018
ER: 3/27/2018 (not right for us)

Picture book. This was my first rejection (and first response!)

EQ: 30/10/2017
FR: 02/11/2017
Hi Mandy,
Thank you very much indeed for your submission. We like this unconventional voice-focused novel from what we've read so far and would love to read on - could you send us a full manuscript and a synopsis when you get the chance?
Thanks and best wishes
Ludo.

Eq 6/13/17 (Chain Reaction)
ER 6/15/17 (Passed-not right for us.) Will try her with DI this summer.

Blue Ridge, that word count is too high, when 110K is the max for the word count for debut fiction.

EQ: 4/23/17, to Jack Ramm
ER: 4/26/17, form-letter rej.

Philosophical/Lit. fiction; 117,000 words

EQ 7/18/16 (Requery Venom)
CNR 9/19/16 (No response to nudge.) I'll try her with CR again next month.

Flebo, that's interesting news. I wonder why. I might have to hold off on querying her until 2017.

Acknowledgement of receipt of Query letter.

Not accepting queries from Us, Canada or Australia.

They are now accepting submissions by email only.

Does not accept submissions by email, and requests that envelopes are marked 'Adults' or 'Children' as applicable.

Genres include commercial and literary fiction and non-fiction, as well as children's fiction and picture books.