I was wondering if anyone knew what a good word count would be for a chapter. I am writing the thirteen chapter of my fantasy novel " The Calling " and just thought I would ask. Ameasha
Posted by Jessica (Member # 3099) on :
At the top of this page, there is a link for Uncle Orson's Writing class. Uncle Orson has an article about chapters and it's got a lot of good information.
Posted by Shendülféa (Member # 2964) on :
Chapters can be as short or as long as you like. I've read books where the length can vary anywhere from a couple hundred words to a few thousand. I think what should determine the length of a chapter should not be word count but rather its completness, if that makes sense. In other words, each chapter should almost be like an episode that continues the action from the last.
Posted by Robert Nowall (Member # 2764) on :
I usually divvy a novel up into chapters as I'm outlining---though afterwards, or when I'm writing it out, I shift things around. Usually they run about the length of a short story. But you can divvy it up anyway you feel like, or not at all, even...
(Or at least I do when I'm actually working on a novel...)
Posted by ChrisOwens (Member # 1955) on :
My taste, when I'm reading a novel: Short chapters. 2000-3000 words.
Maybe it's just an illusion, maybe it gives psychological boost, but I find it makes the reading far easier.
As much as I love Roger Zelazny's works, I found This Immortal very difficult, for the most part because there were no chapter breaks.
Posted by rcorporon (Member # 2879) on :
I hate to say this, but use as many words as are needed for the chapter.
I don't mind reading long chapters, as long as they don't drag on endlessly.
Write it until its done.
Posted by Ameasha (Member # 3109) on :
Thank you for your suggestions. My chapters were running aroud 3 to 4000 words and I was afraid they were becoming to long. This is my first novel, so I am a little green, but I am hoping to learn as much as I can from this group. I have shortened the chapters to about 1400 words, so I hope this will work. Ameasha
Posted by HuntGod (Member # 2259) on :
As long as they flow make them whatever length is required, but if the pace lulls during the "chapter" you might want to consider putting a break at the lull.
If a chapter begins to lull it can put off some readers. By putting in a chapter break, instead of a lull you have a slow buildup in the next chapter :-)
Posted by Elan (Member # 2442) on :
My chapters average about 2000 words apiece. My last two chapters ran more like 3000 words apiece. In my opinion, the critical factor is: is the SCENE complete? Or, is it at a point where it is about to escalate or do you need to switch POV? Chapter breaks are a tool. But I've found myself more than once cursing an author because they didn't put in enough chapters so I could take potty breaks.
Thank you for your suggestions. My chapters were running aroud 3 to 4000 words and I was afraid they were becoming to long. This is my first novel, so I am a little green, but I am hoping to learn as much as I can from this group.