chapters

by Karen Preston
24th February 2015

Hi can you tell me how many words I need to use in a chapter please

Replies

Hi Jimmy

I tend to think the same way you do about reading chapters just in case I need a break, plus it means I can read as much as I want to.

Thank you for your funny comment and advice.

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Karen
Preston
270 points
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Karen Preston
04/03/2015

Thank you both for the advice I may see if I can combined both you answers.

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Karen
Preston
270 points
Developing your craft
Karen Preston
01/03/2015

Hi, Karen!

As a READER, I like short-to-medium-length chapters, because the end of a chapter is obviously the best time to take a break or stop for the night or whatever. I might read one chapter or I might read 3, that's up to me. But a chapter that goes on for 200 pages (or - more commonly - a book that isn't divided into chapters)... well I'm going to have to take a break in there SOMEWHERE, only question is where? (And if my bookmark falls out, can I find my place again?)

There are several wonderful books that have looooooooooong chapters followed by one of the length:

"And then she turned onto her side and fell asleep."

HOWEVER, if an editor or publisher asks to read 3 sample chapters of your book, I would NOT advise you to include one of that length in the sample. ;P

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Jimmy
Hollis i Dickson
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Jimmy Hollis i Dickson
28/02/2015