Word count

[JustinLee]

I was wondering how long peoples stories are.

I have posted at other sites and my 3,000 to 4,000 word chapters are considered too long.

I did a copy and paste of a couple of chapters from here and found each page was about 3,000 and a 3 page chapter was around 9,000

At the other site I struggled to shorten my chapters but here I wonder if I'm writing enough.

 

[sexnovella]

Minimum is 750 words and stories over 7500 are novellas

Minimum is 750 words and stories over 7500 are novellas

 

[sr71plt]

The words per Lit. page hone pretty closely to 3,750 words/page. Lit. readers seem to prefer longer to shorter, so 4,000 words per chapter would be close to ideal here. (An entry that doesn't go to at least the second page here often draws the comment that it's too short). This is in contrast to the mainstream, where competition stories are usually limited to 3,000 or 3,500 words, rarely over 5,000.

 

[Handley_Page]

I was wondering how long peoples stories are.

I have posted at other sites and my 3,000 to 4,000 word chapters are considered too long.

I did a copy and paste of a couple of chapters from here and found each page was about 3,000 and a 3 page chapter was around 9,000

At the other site I struggled to shorten my chapters but here I wonder if I'm writing enough.

With a Lit page at somewhere round 3500 words, I suggest you think in terms of 2 Lit pages per chapter. It can take a reader a little while to get back into the story, so 2-3 pages give a good go at moving the story on.

 

[DreamCloud]

I had to break my current story an ended the first chapter at 12,000 words. It seemed the logical place to cut it - nice mini cliff hanger. Hopefully not to long.

 

[Bramblethorn]

I was wondering how long peoples stories are.

For mine: the shortest I've written here is 1600 words (poem). The longest single-piece story I've posted was around 16000 words, and I have a 14-part series that totals about 99000.

 

[AZMotherLover]

Girth is more important than length.

 

[tamgreen]

Girth is more important than length.

^ You win the Internet today. XD

 

[Zeb_Carter]

My first submission here was over 110,000 words as was in 5 parts, each with about 16 chapters...although they weren't called chapters, just a date signifying a different day.

It was in Sci-fi to boot where they like story over sex.

 

[lovecraft68]

When I first started here I fought to keep my stories to two lit pages because someone suggested that to me. I fretted to the point I removed two paragraphs from the end of one chapter because it put it to three pages. Then had to add to the next chapter to work those paragraphs in.

I did that for my first two stories then the first seven chapters of SWB at eight there was no clean break to stop at 7300k or so and I decided fuck it and just write until I feel its complete.

There's plenty of things worth focusing on when writing a story, how many words it is shouldn't be a concern. There is no rule here other than what the author feels is right for them.

 

[shutterpsb]

When I first started here I fought to keep my stories to two lit pages because someone suggested that to me. I fretted to the point I removed two paragraphs from the end of one chapter because it put it to three pages. Then had to add to the next chapter to work those paragraphs in.

I did that for my first two stories then the first seven chapters of SWB at eight there was no clean break to stop at 7300k or so and I decided fuck it and just write until I feel its complete.

There's plenty of things worth focusing on when writing a story, how many words it is shouldn't be a concern. There is no rule here other than what the author feels is right for them.

That happened with one of my stories, I ended with two paragraphs on page three and was surprised that some folks complained about it. I went back and revised it so it was somewhat longer. That didn't improve the story any, but it made its appearance on the page a little better. I had another where the only thing on page four were the words "The End". That was an easy fix. Now I just write until I feel any more would be redundant and call it good.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

John O'Hara published bazillions of stories, including a few erotic tales that are less than 1000 words. Donald Westlake wrote plenty of chapters that are less than 1000 words. The general rule is: start at the beginning, go to the end, and use all the words you need.

From what I read most LIT stories are too long. Most of these stories use too many passive verbs when one action verb could eliminate the need for 3 adverbs, one adjective, and two passive verbs.

Laconic isn't evil.

 

[lovecraft68]

John O'Hara published bazillions of stories, including a few erotic tales that are less than 1000 words. Donald Westlake wrote plenty of chapters that are less than 1000 words. The general rule is: start at the beginning, go to the end, and use all the words you need.

From what I read most LIT stories are too long. Most of these stories use too many passive verbs when one action verb could eliminate the need for 3 adverbs, one adjective, and two passive verbs.

Laconic isn't evil.

I'm working on it! Jeez.....

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

I'm working on it! Jeez.....

Hush! You do better than the other LIT All Stars.

 

[legerdemer]

Hush! You do better than the other LIT All Stars.

I'm working on it! Jeez.....

Not that he needs any affirmation, but I can't agree more with JBJ on this one.

 

[lovecraft68]

Hush! You do better than the other LIT All Stars.

Not that he needs any affirmation, but I can't agree more with JBJ on this one.

Thanks guys!

I mailed the checks yesterday....

 

[MatthewVett]

Anyone have large amounts of data on score for stand-alone stories and word count? It'd be interesting to run linear regression and see whether there's any significant correlation.

 

[Bramblethorn]

Anyone have large amounts of data on score for stand-alone stories and word count? It'd be interesting to run linear regression and see whether there's any significant correlation.

Yeah, I'd be interested to crunch some of those numbers and check some of the common wisdom about what makes a successful story.

 

[RejectReality]

I track all of my numbers quarterly, and I've heard others mention they track theirs as well. Get a few people together who are willing to pass along their spreadsheets, and you'll have something to work with.

I already track word count on mine, as well as whether the story was entered in a themed contest.

http://darkniciad.com/hotlink_pics/All_3_Names_02_04_15.htm

That's my latest track, and if you hit the "Lit Stats Home" link at the top or bottom of the page, it will get you to the historical tracks back to May of 2010.