Book Length for Contemporary/Urban Fantasy

I think it depends. A good read on this I found is How Long Should a Fantasy Book Be?
The question is probably what you want to do with it. If you're aiming to publish with a traditional publisher then it's probably on the short side of things. If you want to self publish then it matters a lot less.

 

I sort of finished my story at 40k and thought that was enough. I wonder though... its a bit YA and to me it reads a bit like a graphic novel.

I am writing book 2 now and am at 23k, and considering I should just combine the two into one... but there is a natural break point between the two that makes me not want to do that. hmmm.

I am hoping that since I don't plan to publish in non-digital form, that 40k is fine for a cheap 'novella' style series... like if I did six short 40k books and priced them accordingly... more like the old serialized books of yore. that way you aren't spending the big bucks on a giant tome that you may not like.. but jsut a buck or two and if its amusing enough, you spend another buck or two for the next one.

Edit: I do expect that not many people will want to buy the first one, if they don't already see there are many more in case they like it.

 

Generally, it seems most Urban Fantasy that I have read, the first novel is around 70,000 words, give or take. As series progress, the word count seems to expand.

But really, I think word count isn't as vital with ebooks, and if you're self-publishing. If you're seeking representation from an agent and/or going the 'traditional' publishing route, then the word count is probably a bigger factor.

But like was said, the story is the story, and adding words to reach a word count mark...probably will weaken the tale, rather than enhance it.