Over the weekend the newsletter from All Romance ebooks contained an article titled Does Size Matter in Romances? It made for an interesting read, and I thought I’d pose the question here.
Does size matter?
BTW If you’re here because of the blog title, propel your mind onto the right track now. I’m talking about the length of romance books. 
With the popularity of self-publishing I see book reviews at places like Amazon that say, “This book was too short. If I’d known how short the book was I wouldn’t have purchased it.”
My personal preference is for a longer read. The only exception to this is if a friend has written the book, because I like to support my writing buddies. When I say longer read, I mean around 45K to 60K at a minimum. A manuscript around the length of 80K is perfect. Just like Goldilocks’ porridge, it’s not too short or too long but just right.
This is my manuscript measurement scale
15K = short
30 – 40K = novella
45 – 60K = novel
60 – 100K = long novel
Generally when I’m looking for books to add to my to-read pile, I purchase novels and long novels. I might download a shorter story if it’s free, and if I enjoy the book, I’ll purchase one of the author’s longer novels, but that’s usually the only time I’ll consider short stories. As an aside one plus for the shorter length is when I’m extra busy yet yearn for some reading time. A shorter length book makes me feel as if I’m not missing out.
What about you? Which length of romance is your comfort level? Do you purchase shorter lengths, and if so why?
PS. Don’t forget that Indies 4 Hire online conference starts today!
January 21st, 2013 at 4:34 am · Link
I’ve only read a couple of shorts and novellas that I actually liked. Most times I don’t like shorter reads. I remember back when I first started reading romance, the books were 300-400 pages long and now they are usually 200 pages long. I like the longer books. A lot of times in longer books it seems the author can get more story in there and doesn’t have to be so tight with their writing.
January 21st, 2013 at 11:50 am · Link
I like the longer size too, but books like the latter Harry Potter ones, for instance. They were so fat it was difficult to hold them. My wrists got sore :)
January 21st, 2013 at 5:25 am · Link
I don’t read many novellas, but they sure are selling in certain genres.
As a writer, I tend to write in that 45,000 to 60,000 range.
January 21st, 2013 at 11:51 am · Link
They do seem to sell well in genres like erotica. I wonder if it’s because they’re cheaper and quicker to read if we’re busy. I’d love to know if those who buy them search for longer reads.
January 21st, 2013 at 6:56 am · Link
I prefer about 60k. 80k is fine too for the right book.
Indies 4 Hire event starts in a few hours!! Thanks for the mention.
January 21st, 2013 at 11:53 am · Link
Nodding. That length doesn’t take too long to read, but doesn’t seem to forbidding if you’re time challenged.
January 21st, 2013 at 6:36 pm · Link
To me no. I read everything… i know some authors don’t do longer length but i still enjoy the shorter stuff.