How many words per chapter?

[clint_csperry-org]

I have run across several facebook entries talking about chapters needing to be 3,000 to 4,000 words. Personally, I strongly disagree there should be any set number of words to a chapter. I am of the opinion, there should be exactly as many as it takes to contain the situation within the chapter, that might be 150 words or it might be 15,000. Either is okay. It is the content within that is important, not any arbitrary number convention.

What is your opinion on this?

[Kate_But_Not_Kaitlyn]

I agree to an extent. I definitely think 4,000 word is a lot and setting a minimum can take away from the story. However, I know in my writing I write what I want to happen in the chapter and then I check the word count. If it's under 1,000 I go back and I see if maybe the story could be developed more. If not, it's ok.
It's more of a suggestion than a set rule.

[DD129]

I think the 3,000/4,000 word count is a good suggestion, especially when you don't know where to start. However, if you have more experience with writing books or just know what direction you want your story to go, then you should disregard the word count.

Ultimately, it's up to the author and what story they want to tell. If they really understand their book, then they'll know when to start and end the chapters, so there's no need to follow suggested word counts. I've seen books with chapters that are only 1 page long and books with chapters that span several pages.

[rubinelli]

I think that having a set word count on a chapter is a little silly. I think that you, as the author, know best where a chapter should begin and end.

[clint_csperry-org]

I think the 3,000/4,000 word count is a good suggestion, especially when you don't know where to start. However, if you have more experience with writing books or just know what direction you want your story to go, then you should disregard the word count.

Ultimately, it's up to the author and what story they want to tell. If they really understand their book, then they'll know when to start and end the chapters, so there's no need to follow suggested word counts. I've seen books with chapters that are only 1 page long and books with chapters that span several pages.

I agree that it is up to the author. For someone just starting out, I would think they need focus on the quality of their writing more than any word counts. Sure they need to be aware of industry standards but that is something else.

[clint_csperry-org]

I think that having a set word count on a chapter is a little silly. I think that you, as the author, know best where a chapter should begin and end.

My sentiments exactly!

[clint_csperry-org]

I agree to an extent. I definitely think 4,000 word is a lot and setting a minimum can take away from the story. However, I know in my writing I write what I want to happen in the chapter and then I check the word count. If it's under 1,000 I go back and I see if maybe the story could be developed more. If not, it's ok.
It's more of a suggestion than a set rule.

Interesting. When I am reading, I rarely pay much attention to the chapter breaks. I might use them as a hold point when I want a break from sitting and reading, but that isn't even very important. I tend to look for content, fluidity, and cohesive plots. Just me I guess.

[Inkroverts]

Coincidentally- before I read this thread- I also write about 4000 words per chapter. Sometimes when I feel like I have a lot more to say I might write about 7000.

[emidio125]

I prefer to see chapters as different episodes of the same story, so some my be longer and other short, but as to end we you feel like the episode has been completed.

[KS Crooks]

It depends on your style. For my current series my chapters tend to be 5000-9000 words. For me each chapter has one or two specific tasks. I find I need at least 5000 words to fill out a scene and convey all the action and emotions of the characters. As a reader I like short chapters because I like putting down a book at the end of a chapter. When they're short I feel I can squeeze in a read at any time. Everything being said, I've never chosen a book to read based on chapter size.

[marksm121]

Depend on your story or your task. I write a book and per chapter 4000-5000.

[Emidio Inocencio]

It is a difficult question, but I guess 10 pages are good enough for a normal chapter. therefore, it will depend on the writer to decide.

[zayyyna]

I have run across several facebook entries talking about chapters needing to be 3,000 to 4,000 words. Personally, I strongly disagree there should be any set number of words to a chapter. I am of the opinion, there should be exactly as many as it takes to contain the situation within the chapter, that might be 150 words or it might be 15,000. Either is okay. It is the content within that is important, not any arbitrary number convention.

What is your opinion on this?

yeah i agree the words is just to describe the situation and it doesn't matter how much it is used ,more or less

[Black Jewel]

I've never really paid attention to the lengths of the chapters, personally. I typically just use them as a solid break point for if I need to get up for a while, or go do something else for awhile. I honestly don't even recognize that they are there and wouldn't notice their absence if they weren't. So I don't believe word count matters all that much, particularly not to me personally.

[usef nahg]

this is a question thats always asked but my answer always is, it doesnt matter. chapters are used to break up the story into scenes/sections. you can have a 100 word chapter followed by a 2k word chapter. if thats the amount of words in your scene than you shouldnt worry about length and chapter size