A beginning writer recently asked me about the
word count of children’s books. No specific answer qualifies for
every publisher, but here is a general overview:
Board books: 0-100 words.
Fiction picture books range from 0 to 500 words.
These books keep getting shorter. Nonfiction titles are often longer.
Early chapter books for 5-7 year-olds are
illustrated and range 1,000-7,000 words.
Chapter books for the older audience, ages 7-9, range up to 15,000 words.
Chapter books for the older audience, ages 7-9, range up to 15,000 words.
Middle-grade novels for ages 8-12 are usually
between 20,000-45,000 words, maybe more. My middle grade novel, AMAZING GRACE,
topped out at 33,000.
YA (Young Adult) novels range higher:
50,000-85,000.
Publishers set their own parameters for word
length. There are many variations, but these are generally acceptable.
Nancy Kelly Allen has written 40+ children’s books and a cookbook,
SPIRIT OF KENTUCKY: BOURBON COOKBOOK.
