If you are a writer who prefers to plan an outline, then you will want to calculate an approximate number of chapters for your novel before writing your first draft. Here are a few factors to consider before settling on the optimal amount.
KNOW YOUR WORD COUNT
A standard novel typically ranges from 70,000 to 120,000 words, depending on the genre. A bit of research will reveal that romance novels may fall on the shorter end of this spectrum, whereas science fiction or fantasy genres tend to run longer. Before beginning your first draft, it's advisable to set a target word count for your novel.
CALCULATING THE NUMBER OF CHAPTERS
When typing your first draft, you will need to adhere to several requirements: set one-inch margins on all sides, type with double-spacing, and use a standard 12-point font (usually Times New Roman). This formatting yields about 300 words per page. (Before sending your manuscript to an agent or publisher, check their website for further submission guidelines).
Once you've determined the word count for your novel, a few simple calculations will give you an estimated number of chapters for your story. Keep in mind, there is no fixed formula. Once you complete your first draft, you will likely make adjustments. While the average chapter may span roughly 10 pages, you may want to lengthen some and shorten others. For a faster-paced narrative, consider having several chapters that are only 4-5 pages long.
Suppose you are aiming for a novel of 80,000 words:
Divide the number of words (80,000) by 300 (the average number of words on a page) to find the approximate number of pages in your novel.
80,000 divided by 300 = 266 pages
Next, divide the number of pages in your novel (266) by 10 (the average number of pages in a chapter).
266 divided by 10 = 26 chapters
When you revise and self-edit your novel, you may find yourself altering the number of chapters. Shortening them can heighten the tension, while lengthening them can slow down the pace.
TIP: Head to your local library and browse through a selection of books in your preferred genre. Take note of the number of chapters they have and the average chapter length.
Finally, I'd love to hear from you! If you have any questions or comments about this post or about writing in general, please leave a comment!
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