Keep it long or Split it up?

An author is seeking advice on whether to publish a 160,000-word post-apocalyptic novel as one large volume or split it into two 80,000-word books for a Kindle Unlimited launch. The author’s original vision was to release a massive book with weight and complexity. The author is now second-guessing this strategy, concerned that 160,000 words might be a barrier to entry for a new author on KU. Splitting the book would allow for two separate launches and a better read-through rate. However, the author worries about the first half feeling incomplete and needing a cliffhanger ending. The author also fears it will blend in as another 80,000-word book in the genre.

• Keep it as one 160k volume: This keeps the narrative arc exactly as I intended, but I’m worried that 160k is a massive barrier to entry for a new author on KU.
• Split it into two 80k books: This would give me two separate launches and likely a better read-through rate, but I’m worried about the first half feeling incomplete or like a Part 1.
• I would have to reconfigure a cliffhanger ending to keep people interested. Plus I worry it will blend into the crowd as just another 80k word book in this genre.

Source: Reddit r/selfpublish  | 
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