How Long Should Your Chapters be?
How long a chapter should be is often a topic writers agonize about. I know I have.
Before we dive into this short, sweet blog let’s be clear: there are no rules regarding chapter length. Only guidelines.
The important thing is to concentrate on making your chapters fit your story, not on making your story fit your chapters.
Keep in mind: You don’t need to worry too much about chapter lengths until after your first draft.
Too long, too short, just right?
Sounds like a problem for Goldilocks.
Chapter Length Cheat Sheet:
1000 words and under = very short chapter
5000 words and over = very long chapter
Between 3000 to 4000 words = averages chapter length
Of course, a book’s chapter length will differ based on genre and the author’s writing style. Chapters can be as long as you need them, but…
Can A Chapter Be Too Long?
Yep, they sure can.
If chapters are too long, readers may begin counting the pages until they can put the book down. (I’ve done this plenty of times!)
If chapters are too long, readers may feel overwhelmed by the amount of action and information packed into them.
If chapters are too long, it becomes harder for you to manage your novel’s pacing and tension.
To ensure your chapters are doing the most for your story, there should be a beginning, middle, and end.
As with all writing advice, do what works for you and your story. If you need longer chapters, like the fantasy and sci-fi genres often too, that’s okay. If you need shorter tension to make your readers’ hair stand on end, like in a thriller or mystery novel, that’s okay too.
Happy writing!
Kourtney