I’m a writer blog

Guidelines for writing Poems, Stories and Tales

Is it too long for each chapter of a 12-15 chapter novel to be around 10k words in length?

Asked by: Abdimalik Toles

That is not particularly “big”, and it is fine. (–added– for what it is worth, chapters are generally 3000 to 5000 words long, but it is not a rule.

Is a 10000 word chapter too long?

If your chapter is more than 5,000 words, see if you can break it into different ideas. Maybe you can’t, and that’s okay. It’s just something to consider. But if a chapter is more than 10,000 words, you should probably break it into two or more chapters.

How long is too long for a novel chapter?

That means if your average chapter length falls below 1,000 words, you are probably trying to cut too often – or that you haven’t yet given enough weight and depth to the scenes you are telling. Remember that even action fiction needs space to make an impression.

How long should chapters in a novel be?

between 3,000 to 5,000 words

Most agree that under 1,000 words would be rather short and that over 5,000 might be rather too long. As a general guideline, chapters should be between 3,000 to 5,000 words. All of them agree that the chapter length should be defined by the story and that any chapter length targets you decide on are merely guidelines.

Should all chapters be the same length?

You also get to decide the typical length of a chapter, but that decision is much more arbitrary. Every chapter has to contain at least one scene, but aside from that, your chapters can be whatever length you feel like.

How many words are in Harry Potter?

The answer may surprise you. The total number of words for the Harry Potter series is over 1 million words. That’s correct. If you want your kids to read over one million words in a short period of time, one of your best chances is to get them interested in the Harry Potter book series.

How many chapters is the average novel?

Most novels have between 10 to 12 chapters, but that’s not set in stone. You can have two chapters or 200 — it all depends on how comfortable you are with experimenting. Consider your dear reader. Will the chapter breaks make sense to that reader or will it be a disruption from the story?

Is 10000 words enough for a book?

If you’re writing your first novel, the general rule of thumb for novel writing is a word count in the 80,000 to 100,000 range. While anything over 40,000 words can fall into the novel category, 50,000 is considered the minimum novel length. Anything over 110,000 words is considered too long for a fiction novel.

How many chapters is 80000 words?

For example, if you’re writing for genres that have a word count range of 80,000-89,999 words (i.e. Mainstream, Thriller, Horror, Romance, Suspense, Mystery, and Literary) and you want to adhere to the 3,000–5,000 word count range per chapter, then that would probably entail about 16 to 30 chapters.

How many words is a middle grade novel?

between 20,000-50,000 words

Broadly, middle grade books tend to run between 20,000-50,000 words, but word count varies—Charlotte’s Web is 32,000 words, and the first Harry Potter book is nearly 77,000 (and they go up from there).



How long should middle grade chapters be?

Chapter books are typically written for children ages 5 to 10, and range from a few thousand words up to 20,000. Chapter books are often seen as the gateway to longer, more developed stories. Middle grade books suit readers from ages 8 to 12 and are between 25,000 and 50,000 words.

How hard is it to get a middle grade book published?

Ranking Estimated Word Count (Shortest to Longest)

Hannah Holt tells us that several years of work are required to get most middle grade novels written and published Here. “It took 75% of middle grade authors four or more years to publish their first book.”

What are publishers looking for in middle grade fiction?

They want stories that allow the child to feel intellectually respected and creatively involved by writing well sketched characters and sharp storylines. They accept unsolicited submissions through the year from authors of middle grade fiction, picture books, young adult novels and general materials.

Who is the best literary agent for new authors?

Best Literary Agents for New Writers | 25 Top Book Agents for First-Time Authors and Debut Authors



  • Marly Rusoff (Marly Rusoff & Associates)
  • Jenny Bent (The Bent Agency)
  • Susan Golomb (Writers House)
  • Dorian Karchmar (William Morris Endeavor)
  • Daniel Lazar (Writers House)
  • Bill Clegg (The Clegg Agency)

Is Harry Potter YA or middle grade?

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s/Philosopher’s Stone is not a YA novel. It’s middle-grade, meaning it’s for children between the ages of 8 and 12.

Do children’s authors need agents?

If you’ve written a children’s book and want to get a traditional publishing deal, you’ll need to work with a literary agent who specializes in bringing children’s books to market. The children’s book market is very big, and there are many sub-genres or sub-markets inside the children’s book market.

Who is the best children’s book publisher?

Top 10 Children’s Book Publishers Who Are Accepting Unsolicited Manuscripts

  • 1) Holiday House. Holiday House publishes both fiction and nonfiction children’s books. …
  • 2) Charlesbridge. …
  • 3) Chicago Review Press. …
  • 4) Sleeping Bear Press. …
  • 5) Boyds Mills Press. …
  • 6) Kane Miller Press. …
  • 7) Phaidon. …
  • 8) Mighty Media Press.

Do publishers promote your book?

Publishers will also purchase banners to promote the book. These banners are placed in stores, at events, and used for book signings. But one of the biggest marketing campaigns they run is giving out Advanced Review Copies to media, bookstores, buyers, and librarians.

What are publishers looking for in children’s books?

Their nonfiction tends to focus on nature, science, math, social studies, biography, history, and the arts. Flashlight Press is seeking picture books under 1,000 words that deal with family or social situations. Sleeping Bear Press specializes in picture books and middle-grade novels in both fiction and non-fiction.



How much do you make selling a children’s book?

After the advance, authors can then earn royalties, which are often set at around 3.5% – 6% of the book’s sale price. (This figure reflects the fact that royalties, which are typically 7% – 10%, are also split with the illustrator). No royalties are earned until enough books have sold to cover the advance.

How difficult is it to publish a children’s book?

Getting your children’s book (traditionally) published is a tough gig … research shows that less than 1% of all aspiring authors secure a traditional publishing deal. But as someone who has successfully published a number of children’s books, I can unequivocally say don’t give up on your dream.

How much do childrens book authors make?

The salaries of Children’s Authors in the US range from $29,230 to $114,530 , with a median salary of $60,250 . The middle 60% of Children’s Authors makes $60,250, with the top 80% making $114,530.

Who is the richest children’s book author?

1 J.K Rowling



However, the subject matter explored in them is what make children actually read them. Beginning in 1997, she released the first book of a series that would make her the richest children’s author of all time.

Is it better to self publish a children’s book?

If you write for children, self-publishing your children’s book can be a great route to take. Increasingly accessible and with a quicker turnaround than traditional publishing, self-publishing is becoming more and more attractive.

Is it too long for each chapter of a 12-15 chapter novel to be around 10k words in length?

Asked by: Abdimalik Toles

That is not particularly “big”, and it is fine. (–added– for what it is worth, chapters are generally 3000 to 5000 words long, but it is not a rule.

Is a 10000 word chapter too long?

If your chapter is more than 5,000 words, see if you can break it into different ideas. Maybe you can’t, and that’s okay. It’s just something to consider. But if a chapter is more than 10,000 words, you should probably break it into two or more chapters.

How long is too long for a novel chapter?

That means if your average chapter length falls below 1,000 words, you are probably trying to cut too often – or that you haven’t yet given enough weight and depth to the scenes you are telling. Remember that even action fiction needs space to make an impression.

How long should chapters in a novel be?

between 3,000 to 5,000 words

Most agree that under 1,000 words would be rather short and that over 5,000 might be rather too long. As a general guideline, chapters should be between 3,000 to 5,000 words. All of them agree that the chapter length should be defined by the story and that any chapter length targets you decide on are merely guidelines.

Should all chapters be the same length?

You also get to decide the typical length of a chapter, but that decision is much more arbitrary. Every chapter has to contain at least one scene, but aside from that, your chapters can be whatever length you feel like.

How many words are in Harry Potter?

The answer may surprise you. The total number of words for the Harry Potter series is over 1 million words. That’s correct. If you want your kids to read over one million words in a short period of time, one of your best chances is to get them interested in the Harry Potter book series.

How many chapters is the average novel?

Most novels have between 10 to 12 chapters, but that’s not set in stone. You can have two chapters or 200 — it all depends on how comfortable you are with experimenting. Consider your dear reader. Will the chapter breaks make sense to that reader or will it be a disruption from the story?

Is 10000 words enough for a book?

If you’re writing your first novel, the general rule of thumb for novel writing is a word count in the 80,000 to 100,000 range. While anything over 40,000 words can fall into the novel category, 50,000 is considered the minimum novel length. Anything over 110,000 words is considered too long for a fiction novel.

How many chapters is 80000 words?

For example, if you’re writing for genres that have a word count range of 80,000-89,999 words (i.e. Mainstream, Thriller, Horror, Romance, Suspense, Mystery, and Literary) and you want to adhere to the 3,000–5,000 word count range per chapter, then that would probably entail about 16 to 30 chapters.

How many words is a middle grade novel?

between 20,000-50,000 words

Broadly, middle grade books tend to run between 20,000-50,000 words, but word count varies—Charlotte’s Web is 32,000 words, and the first Harry Potter book is nearly 77,000 (and they go up from there).



How long should middle grade chapters be?

Chapter books are typically written for children ages 5 to 10, and range from a few thousand words up to 20,000. Chapter books are often seen as the gateway to longer, more developed stories. Middle grade books suit readers from ages 8 to 12 and are between 25,000 and 50,000 words.

How hard is it to get a middle grade book published?

Ranking Estimated Word Count (Shortest to Longest)

Hannah Holt tells us that several years of work are required to get most middle grade novels written and published Here. “It took 75% of middle grade authors four or more years to publish their first book.”

What are publishers looking for in middle grade fiction?

They want stories that allow the child to feel intellectually respected and creatively involved by writing well sketched characters and sharp storylines. They accept unsolicited submissions through the year from authors of middle grade fiction, picture books, young adult novels and general materials.

Who is the best literary agent for new authors?

Best Literary Agents for New Writers | 25 Top Book Agents for First-Time Authors and Debut Authors



  • Marly Rusoff (Marly Rusoff & Associates)
  • Jenny Bent (The Bent Agency)
  • Susan Golomb (Writers House)
  • Dorian Karchmar (William Morris Endeavor)
  • Daniel Lazar (Writers House)
  • Bill Clegg (The Clegg Agency)

Is Harry Potter YA or middle grade?

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s/Philosopher’s Stone is not a YA novel. It’s middle-grade, meaning it’s for children between the ages of 8 and 12.

Do children’s authors need agents?

If you’ve written a children’s book and want to get a traditional publishing deal, you’ll need to work with a literary agent who specializes in bringing children’s books to market. The children’s book market is very big, and there are many sub-genres or sub-markets inside the children’s book market.

Who is the best children’s book publisher?

Top 10 Children’s Book Publishers Who Are Accepting Unsolicited Manuscripts

  • 1) Holiday House. Holiday House publishes both fiction and nonfiction children’s books. …
  • 2) Charlesbridge. …
  • 3) Chicago Review Press. …
  • 4) Sleeping Bear Press. …
  • 5) Boyds Mills Press. …
  • 6) Kane Miller Press. …
  • 7) Phaidon. …
  • 8) Mighty Media Press.

Do publishers promote your book?

Publishers will also purchase banners to promote the book. These banners are placed in stores, at events, and used for book signings. But one of the biggest marketing campaigns they run is giving out Advanced Review Copies to media, bookstores, buyers, and librarians.

What are publishers looking for in children’s books?

Their nonfiction tends to focus on nature, science, math, social studies, biography, history, and the arts. Flashlight Press is seeking picture books under 1,000 words that deal with family or social situations. Sleeping Bear Press specializes in picture books and middle-grade novels in both fiction and non-fiction.



How much do you make selling a children’s book?

After the advance, authors can then earn royalties, which are often set at around 3.5% – 6% of the book’s sale price. (This figure reflects the fact that royalties, which are typically 7% – 10%, are also split with the illustrator). No royalties are earned until enough books have sold to cover the advance.

How difficult is it to publish a children’s book?

Getting your children’s book (traditionally) published is a tough gig … research shows that less than 1% of all aspiring authors secure a traditional publishing deal. But as someone who has successfully published a number of children’s books, I can unequivocally say don’t give up on your dream.

How much do childrens book authors make?

The salaries of Children’s Authors in the US range from $29,230 to $114,530 , with a median salary of $60,250 . The middle 60% of Children’s Authors makes $60,250, with the top 80% making $114,530.

Who is the richest children’s book author?

1 J.K Rowling



However, the subject matter explored in them is what make children actually read them. Beginning in 1997, she released the first book of a series that would make her the richest children’s author of all time.

Is it better to self publish a children’s book?

If you write for children, self-publishing your children’s book can be a great route to take. Increasingly accessible and with a quicker turnaround than traditional publishing, self-publishing is becoming more and more attractive.