As you plan your memoir, you might be wondering how long it should be. Word count is definitely something agents and publishers take into consideration before signing memoir writers. So it’s good to do your research ahead of time.
What are publishers looking for?
Short answer? 60,000 to 90,000 words. That’s where most traditionally published memoirs land. If you’re a first-time author who wants to query agents, the range tightens a bit: 65,000–80,000 is the reliable sweet spot for publishers.
If you find yourself either writing past the 100,000-word mark or dipping under 40,000 words, you’re unlikely to find representation to help you land a traditional publishing deal. But, of course, if you’re planning to self-publish, your memoir can be any length you desire.
What if your memoir is too short to get noticed?
Sometimes you feel you’ve said all you have to say—but you’ve written a draft that’s considerably under the minimum likely to garner you an agent or publisher.
So, what can do you do? Explore your story further! Blogging can be a low-pressure way to develop more material for your memoir. Try writing by themes relevant to your story: the men on my father’s side; the cats of my youth; the summer jobs I had. Or pick a single year and write everything you can remember about it, not just the moments you’ve already identified as important.
You might also let each post answer a question: something like What did I actually believe about myself that year? or Who else was present during that conversation that I didn’t mention?
Eventually, these short pieces become raw material to be stirred back into the cake batter of your memoir draft.
And if your memoir is too long?
Read your draft scene by scene. If you’re not sure whether a scene is necessary, ask: Did something change in that moment? A moment you realized you could make a different choice or a visceral experience of loss are likely pivotal moments in your story. But a scene that’s true—and even beautiful—but doesn’t move your story forward, may not be earning its place. For instance, a transition that just gets you from your house to your neighbor’s can probably be told in a single line.
Also notice where you include scenes that repeat something you’ve already clearly shown the reader. For example, it’s probably not necessary to detail the same dynamic with a parent multiple times in full scenes. “Show” it once. After that, simply “tell” your reader that the situation was repeated. You might even rely on narrative summary to do so, writing something like, This kept happening, in different forms, for years. The reader will fill in the rest.
Remember, a scene can be perfectly written and still not carry its weight. If nothing in the story turns on it, and removing it doesn’t create a gap, if you’re over your preferred word count, cut, cut, cut.
The number isn’t really the question
A memoir isn’t a container you fill up until it reaches an ideal word count. It’s an experience you build scene by scene. So instead of asking, “Have I reached the right number yet,” ask which moments in your story actually deserve to be told as full scenes—including dialogue, setting, and your thoughts and feelings in that moment—and which could be a sentence or two of summary that moves the reader from one important moment to the next.
The word count may take care of itself once you decide which moments are actually carrying the story.
Are you writing a memoir—or creating a Substack or blog to develop your themes? I work with memoir writers at all stages of the process. Whether you’re just finding your way into your story or have a complete draft, I can help. Visit my contact page, and let’s connect.
Writing a memoir can be a deeply rewarding journey—but also a tricky one. This article offers guidance for shaping your story in a way that honors both your truth and your readers: “How to Write a Memoir.” If you’re interested in my approach to writing, you might also take a look at my books: Plotting Your Novel with the Plot Clock and Jamie Helps Mel Write a Novel.