Dorothea Thielke asked 4 years ago
Hi Chelsea,
I have been working with a developmental editor on my manuscript. We have done 2 rounds, and I love the story as it is. The problem is that at just under 6000 words, it is too short for the 8 to 11 and too complicated for the 5 to 8-year-old category. My editor did tell me in her correspondence that it was her all-time favorite manuscript she’s work on. I really don’t want to mess this up. Would you look at a manuscript that falls between 2 age groups? I thank you in advance for any feedback.
Chelsea Eberly Staff answered 4 years ago
Hi Dorothea,
When I reopen to submissions, I will happily take a look. Word counts are a good rule of thumb, and it is smart to determine what age and type of kid reader you’re trying to reach with your manuscript, and then revise accordingly. But word counts are not the be-all and end-all. A great story is the most important thing.
All best,
Chelsea