Your Money’s Worth on the Word Count - #Amwriting Novels - #AtoZChallenge

Today is the “Y” Day in the A to Z Challenge – 2016. I’m using “Your.”

You’re a reader and you want your money’s worth out of a book. What is the right length? The opinions vary. A lot depends on what types of books you like to read and what publishers advise.

Maybe the first place to start is with word count. There are all types of books. Here is a general guide to book length:

·         Short-short stories are under 2,500 words

·         Short stories are between 2,500 – 7,500 words

·         Novellettes range from 7,500 to 20,000 words

·         Novellas range from 20,000 to 50,000 words

·         Novels are typically over 70,000 words

I write fiction novels. If you’re a reader who likes to read you will get your money’s worth from my books.

Publishers, readers and writers all have opinions as to what is too long and what is too short. Typically publishers like to keep the length of novels somewhere between 90,000 to 120,000 words. The economics of printing and number of pages all play a part in that preferred length. Ideally publishers like to keep the page count between 280 – 320 pages. Before the eBook entered the picture a nice rule of thumb was approximately 250 words per page. This can vary depending on the font size.

To date I’ve written a half dozen novels. As a reader I’ve always preferred short chapters. Why? To me the answer is simple. If I start to nod I will cheat ahead to see how much reading is necessary for the next chapter break. If the chapters are short I tend to keep going.

My formula has been 100 chapters per book. I shoot for an average chapter length of 1,000 words. With simple math that amounts to 100,000 words. Depending on the story most of my books run between 90,000 to 120,000 words. Readers get their money’s worth.

From a writing standpoint it is relatively easy to write 1,000 words a day. When things are clicking that means a novel can be written in 100 days. Of course writer’s block and life gets in the way but it gives you an idea of how long it takes to write a novel.

If you like to read character-based fiction you may want to meet the gang that resides at Prairie Winds Golf Course. My characters are recurring. They come from all corners of the earth and are eclectic and opinionated. You can rest assured that they have something that is taking place away from the golf course, but the clubhouse is a familiar gathering spot for them to share viewpoints.

Members of Amazon Prime and Kindle Unlimited can read my stories for free as I am participating in the Kindle Select program. Single titles are available as well as two eBook bundles. You may want to try James Ross – A Character-Based Collection or James Ross – AYoung Adult Trilogy. You will get your money’s worth.

James Ross has penned several novels from the Prairie Winds Golf Course setting. The stories are character-based, cross many genres, and have become Kindle favorites. Visit his  website for detailed information, reader comments, and contact links.