Does Size Really Matter?

[Chris Tusa]

Just wondering . . . I tend to look for books between 200-350 pages, and I often find myself ignoring books that are really long (500 pages or more). Do others do this as well? Are you suspicious of shorter books? Impressed by longer books? Just curious.

[Joe Perrone Jr.]

Funny you should say that. I have been told by a number of literary agents that a mystery or thriller ought not to be less than 300 pages. So, I aim for somewhere around that number, like 300-325. However, I would never let that artificial criteria stand in my way when writing a book. If the story only requires 275 pages to tell it properly, then that is the length of that book. If, on the other hand, it requires 500 pages (and you've done the best job you can at editing it down), then that is that! Hope this helps.

[Kurt Crisman]

I don't think that I pay much attention to the page count when I am considering a book to read. Some of the best fiction I have read has been novella length. Most recently, I did read The Unconsoled by Kazuo Ishiguro, which was in the 400-500 page range. That bothered some readers, since the narrative can be quite maddening. Didn't bother me, though. I probably could have kept on reading for another 400-500 pages.

I am currently reading Consciousness Defined, which is a nonfiction book and its page count is also 400+.

[BrownGirl]

I don't pay attention size/length of books either when choosing. But it would bug me if I'm reading a lengthy book and realize 400 pages in that it could have ended 100 pages sooner.

[Joe Perrone Jr.]

Does the name Stephen King ring a bell?

[Kurt Crisman]

You should avoid Russian literature.

[MarthaE]

Good question Chris! I am comfortable with shorts to about 375 pages. After that I have to really like the author or the series (ie Harry Potter or Sword of Truth) to go for the longer books. Even then I tend to listen to those longer ones on CD or Audible... just easier especially with my reivewing now.

[M.D. Griffith]

My book Alec Thrace and the Lost Medallion is around 345 pages or so. However, after the first run, the publishers want to increase the font size to 12, which will make the book somewhat larger. Probably be well over 400 pages. Personally, I love nice thick books, as long as they hold my interest.

[Jessica]

I don't let too much of my decison depend on the length of the book. I do, however, pay close attention to the font. A tiny font with (what seems like) as many words they can possible stuff into one page is a turn-off.

[Danielle]

I don't really notice how big it is, as long as the story sounds interesting and I can read the first few sentences without boring myself to death.

[Rita Hernandez]

I tend to read (as I gaze at my stacks of books) books that are longer in length. Probably about 500 pages in length or so. I don't really think about the size, if the plot sounds interesting to me, then I'll read it. If I can't get into it within 100 pages or so, then I'll put it down.

[Linda]

I hate when a good book ends, so I guess as long as it is interesting it doesn't matter.

[Alexis Lennert]

size really doesn't matter, well at least not in my family. take Stephine Meyers' books for example. the twilight saga isn't exactly small but millions of people love them. her book The Host isn't small either but i loved it. Lurlene McDaniel's books aren't big at all but a lot of people like her books. and Nicholas sparks books are middle sized books and they are extremely famous.