Determining the Word Count for Your Book

Here's a question I get asked at least once a month: “How long should my book be?”

Is this something you have ever wondered about? Well, if you're writing a book, it's something you need to consider. And the simple answer is that your book needs to be the right length to tell your story. No more, no less. 

Not satisfied with that answer? Don't overthink it. My best advice to you on this matter is to write your story first and worry about word count later. Keep in mind that your editor (remember, you want to hire an editor!) is likely going to cut and reshape some of the text. So worrying about exact word count while you write isn't the best use of your time or creative energy.

Simple Word Count Guidelines

• Picture books: target age 2-7 years old, target word count 400-800

• Early readers: target age 5-8 years old, target word count 1,000-2,500

• Chapter books: target age 7-10 years old, target word count 4,000-12,000

• Middle-grade books: target age 10-13 years old, target word count 30,000-50,000

• Young adult and adult fiction: target age 13 and older, target word count 40,000-70,000

Take these guidelines as just that- a guide. Some picture books have fewer than 50 words, while some novels top over 100,000. And remember that illustrations, book layout, page breaks, chapter markers, and other features are all factors in the readability of your book.

So do your readers a favor and tell your story how it needs to be told. 

Looking for additional resources on getting publishing and marketing your book? Let’s schedule an Author Coaching Call!