How to format your childrens book manuscript dummies. For average word counts based on genre, see this handy reference. Middle grade novels vary a lot, but a safe spot to aim for would be 30,000 words. Basic trade picture books as seen in most stores will typically have a standard set of 32 pages. A rough guideline to start with would be 500010,000 words per book. These books are geared for children between the ages of 3 and 8 years old. Obviously books at the younger end tend to be shorter. Miranda paul is an awardwinning author of more than a dozen fiction and nonfiction books for children. Word count for famous novels organized commonplace book. Each page often has only one line to keep it simple and easy for a young child to follow. For example, hyperion chapter book manuscripts must currently be 2,5005,000 words maximum.
Im currently on a book tour for my new 32page picture bookthe type. A common mistake with wouldbe picturebook authors is to use too many words. One plastic bag, water is water, and i am farmer were all named junior library guild selections and her book whose hands are these. Picture book word count, and other rules that are meant to. Young readers of 5 to 7 are usually starting out with what we sometimes call chapter books. Now im seeing a lot more mg books with up to 60,000 words, so i think the water has become a bit murky here. Word count for famous novels, in ascending order by number of words. Picture books for children up to age eight average words though many are shorter. Picture books for children up to age eight average words though many are. Theres no need to describe things that can be shown in the. The word count doesnt rise above 3500 words on the high end. Her picture book nine months, illustrated by caldecott honoree jason chin, released in four languages. Some 6090k ya books get classified as hilo, but i dont think they were specifically written for the category. Many times books are character based, as seen in the examples below.
Based on this list compiled by nicole humphrey cook. Some 6090k ya books get classified as hilo, but i dont think they were specifically written for the. Now, speaking broadly, you can have as few as 71,000 words and as many as 109,000 words. Im here to sell your many words, not just enjoy them by myself ideal childrens book length. If you have questions about specific series of books, do some research read the books, check the catalogue, contact the publisher, etc.
Books for 7 to 9yearold readers would probably start at the 15,000 word mark, rarely going higher than 30,000 words. Board books are those tough little things you give to the smallest of readers. Everything you need to know about word count and book length for books and novels and memoirs and childrens novels and. Some publishers have series of books with a maximum of pages. Now, i will say that yeah, a chapter thats 10,000 words for any category of childrens book is probably crazy. With their help, weve created two alltime lists of classics.