Writing a children’s book is a creative process that requires dedication and focus, along with other necessary tasks, like character development, plotting, research, and, of course, writing. With so much important thinking to do, it’s hard to stop and consider word counts. But the word count of a children’s book does count – a lot.
For one thing, it matters to the reader. Since children’s books are divided into different categories, often based on the reader’s age and reading level, a book that’s too long or short for a targeted audience simply won’t appeal to that audience. And editors know it, which is why word counts also matter to them. In fact, children’s book manuscripts that don’t have the desired number of words stand a good chance of being rejected.
So what are typical word counts for children’s books? And how do children’s writers work word counting into the writing process? Here are some helpful guidelines:
Word Count Range for Categories of Children’s Books
From board books to young adult novels, children’s books are divided into the following book categories, each with their own range of word counts.
- Concept/board books. For the youngest ages, concept books are highly visual and contain very few words – sometimes just a word or two per page and often no more than 100 total.
- Picture books. These range from picture books for toddlers to elementary age picture books; word counts generally increase with age. Picture books may run anywhere from 250 words or less to 1,500 words.
- Early readers. Books for beginning readers, like Dr. Seuss, Cowgirl Kate, and Nate the Great, usually fall between 1,000 and 4,000 words.
- Chapter books. From early readers, children advance to chapter books, which are typically between 10,000 and 15,000 words long (although beginning chapter books, like those in the Junie B. Jones series, may be as few as 5,000 words).
- Middle grade novels and nonfiction. Middle grade novels and nonfiction books, such as biographies, cater to eight- to twelve-year-olds and have a typical word count of 25,000 to 40,000.
- Books for teens and young adults. Written for twelve-year-olds on up, these books average 50,000 to 70,000 words, although many novels for teens and young adults are much longer (i.e., Harry Potter, Eragon).
The above ranges are typical but not set in stone. Before submitting a book manuscript (or query, with proposed word count) to a publisher, be sure to check the writer’s guidelines for specified word counts.
Word Counting While Writing a Children’s Book
Don’t be surprised if a book manuscript runs over or under the typical or required word count range. It happens, more often than not. To avoid the problem, should children’s writers be counting while writing? No – and yes. Word counting shouldn’t get in the way of the creative process. But writers can take advantage of the word count tool in their word processing program and check word totals every now and then.
If a children’s book manuscript is too long, cutting words will be necessary. Sometimes paragraphs, scenes, or entire chapters need to go. If something doesn’t serve a purpose in the book, it won’t be missed. Adding text may also be necessary, when a word count is too low. Words can be increased in a number of ways; for example, by adding more dialogue, introducing a new subplot, or broadening the topic.
Whether a children’s book is too long, too short, or just right, paying attention to word counts in the writing process is an important task. But by learning typical word ranges for different categories of books, following editorial guidelines, and taking the time to cut or add words, children’s writers can put their word count worries to rest – and concentrate on their craft.
Sources:
Buccieri, Lisa Rojany and Peter Economy. Writing Children’s Books for Dummies. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Publishing, 2005.
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. "From Keyboard to Printed Page." scbwi.org.
Wyndham, Lee. Writing for Children & Teenagers. Cincinnati: Writer’s Digest Books, 1989.
Susie Yakowicz - Susie Yakowicz is a Minnesota freelance writer whose work has appeared in dozens of publications for children and adults.
Join the Conversation