What's the deal with word counts?
Have you ever pondered whether your work-in-progress is stretching too long or coming up short? Occasionally, we receive a submission that we must turn away because the manuscript doesn't fit the expected length for its genre, being either excessively lengthy or disappointingly brief.
Steve Laube recently shared a detailed set of word count guidelines on his blog. Keep in mind that this list is NOT set in stone, but rather a flexible guide to steer your writing journey.
Children’s board books – about 100 words
Early readers (ages 5-7) – 1,000-3,500 words
Chapter books – 15,000-35,000 words
Middle grade – 30,000-45,000 words
YA fiction – 50,000-80,000 words
Adult fiction novellas – 35,000-45,000 words
Other adult fiction – 70,000-100,000 words
Sci-fi/fantasy – 80,000-100,000 words
40-day devotionals – 30,000-40,000 words
90-day devotionals – 45,000-60,000 words
365-day devotionals – 90,000-100,000 words
Bible studies – 10,000-20,000 words
Memoirs – 40,000-70,000 words
Academic/reflective – 50,000-100,000 words
Other adult nonfiction – 40,000-70,000 words
Upcoming Conferences
Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference: May 26-30
Cedar Falls Christian Writers Conference: June 12-14
St. David's Christian Writers Conference: June 18-22
Cascade Christian Writers Conference: June 22-25
Won an Award? Let us know!
Have you won an award or been a finalist in the past year? If so, email us with the award, date, and title of your book. We are keeping an up-to-date list for our Elk Lake authors.
Congratulations!
The Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference in Andalusia, Alabama, finished the week with an exciting awards ceremony. Here is a list of Elk Lake authors who were honored:
Excellence in Editing Award
2nd Place Nonfiction: Outstanding Online Presence - Psalms in Rhyme for Little Hearts, Donna Wyland
Living Water Award - Articles
1st Place: Right Timing, Sally Jo Pitts
Christian Indie Awards
2nd Place Young Adult: Fences Left Broken, Kristen Terrette
1st Place (tied) Mystery/Suspense: Sweet Deceit, Sally Jo Pitts
3rd Place General Fiction: Ride A Summer Wind, Ann Cavera
CAN Marketing Awards
2nd Place NonFiction Outstanding Online Presence: Psalms In Rhyme for Little Hearts, Donna Wyland
Featured Blogs
New Logo for Elk Lake Publishing Inc
Elk Lake Publishing Inc reveals new logo. Publisher Deb Haggerty said a new look was necessary to promote their mission of publishing positive books for the Christian market. One of the few Christian-owned and operated traditional, royalty-paying publishing companies, Elk Lake has books for readers of all ages in a variety of genres. Elk Lake,…
Read MoreElk Lake Publishing, Inc. August Releases
A marriage of convenience in 1907 begins the union of one of the most intriguing founding families in Hamilton Harbor. The legacy of this couple provides the backdrop in which secrets of the past, and restoration in the present generates valuable lessons in faith, and love for the future. Short story prequel to And Then…
Read MoreJuly Releases from Elk Lake
Three months ago, Ali Lamarque’s mother died in an accident Ali is convinced she could have prevented, and what little faith she had is fading. Grief-stricken, her father, a renowned scientist, has sold their California ranch and buried himself in his work. He will soon leave for Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest on business. Ali’s relationship with…
Read MoreSecond Quarter 2018 Releases from Elk Lake Publishing Inc
Elk Lake released twelve books in the second quarter: Be the Miracle-Second Edition by Delores Liesner The Last Aliyah by Mark Leslie The Mysterious Matt Barnes by Matthew Weigelt Cleansed by Death-Second Edition by Catherine Finger Shattered by Death-Second Edition by Catherine Finger Anchored by Death-Second Edition by Catherine Finger’ Dangerous to Know by Megan…
Read MoreNew Book Releases from Elk Lake
New Releases from Elk Lake: The Lost Generation by Erica Marie Hogan; Miracle on Maple Street by Linda Wood Rondeau; The White Rose by Ace Collins; Weighed Down by Laurie Boulden; Bible Characters Through the Ages: Books Four (Esther), Five (Isaac), and Six (Jacob); Pursuing Gold by Cynthia L. Simmons; 28 First Kisses by Sandra…
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