This subject interests me greatly. I've seen a lot of writers subscribe to bizarre ideas regarding wordcount lengths, and what publishers are willing to accept with debuts. Namely, an upper limit of 120,000 words.

My debut STORMBLOOD sold at 139k, and will be published at 155k. https://twitter.com/MarinaLostetter/status/1247909546368143361

Often, it's not about how long a book is. It's about how long it *feels*.

Pacing is key. Chopping out unnecessary scenes and fleshing out necessary scenes is key. Streamlining plot is key.

No two books are the same. I know authors who debuted at 80k and 185k, and one at 200k.

The idea that all publishers/agents have an ironclad, universal limit for wordcount for all books is hogwash.