
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
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September was a BIG month for Fiction! Here are our September New Releases. Aunt Iva Story (Picture Book) Written by Michelle McCarthy Illustrated by Keri-Jean Malmsten Rosalina is bursting with excitement to meet her Aunt Iva. She’d already experienced how humongous words and whimsical Aunts spelled fun and encouragement. Join Rosalina and Roo at…
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Check out our August New Releases! New in Fiction Texas Faith Written by Andrew Roth Will things ever go right? When Johnny’s pa doesn’t come home after the war, the Garret ranch nears collapse, covered with back taxes and worthless cattle. While he struggles with bitterness and dread, his mother launches a spiritual quest for…
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Check out our July New Releases! New in Fiction Deception in December: Fern Valley Mysteries Book 2 Written by Doreen McAvoy Thirteen-year-old Will Abbott is enjoying his eighth-grade year and looking forward to a fun-filled December packed with basketball games, snowball fights, and Christmas pageant practice. With Otis Mayfield safely behind bars, Will’s biggest problem…
Read MoreJune New Releases
Check out our June New Releases! New in Fiction Rules of Engagement Written by Claire O’Sullivan Army Ranger Scott Walker believes his missions have been compromised. They have been sidelined when a threat of an unchecked virus comes across the military radar. When he is given orders to protect a scientist, it is an assignment…
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