《How to Write Stories People Will Love》Question 68: Is my story too long?
Advertisement
asks: How do I know if my story is too long? I tend to write way too much and I'm worried it'll seem like a lot to take on. Should I split the book in two or leave it as it is? I also have the same question for individual chapters.
If you're considering a series, then be sure to read Question 5: Writing a series. It talks about the different kinds there are, and includes a section to help determine if your story needs to be a series or not.
Regarding individual chapters, this is a personal preference for authors and readers alike. Take a look at Question 41: Chapter length.
As for writing too much, I can offer a few guidelines. "Writing too much" is kind of a subjective term. Some stories will take longer than others to finish. But it's possible that "too much" could mean excessive description. If the pace is dragging because all the backstories are being drawn out, or all the scenery is being described in great detail, then that might be too much. Refer to Chapter 13: Tailor Your Description as well as Chapter 15: Ease Up on Backstory for more information.
Assuming you're not writing excessive details, how can you tell if your plot is simply too big for one book? Word count might be helpful. Most novels fall between 40,000 and 80,000 words. Some reach 100,000. A few get even farther than that, but over 100,000 you might want to start thinking about whether the story can be broken up into individual chunks or not.
Advertisement
- In Serial64 Chapters
Kitty Cat Kill Sat
Ownership of the last functioning piece of orbital infrastructure kind of puts you in a position of responsibility. The fact that there's a lack of thumbs in the process makes it a challenge. But challenge is, as far as anyone can prove, my middle name.
8 405 - In Serial46 Chapters
Legacy Unbroken
For six generations, his family has held the title of Hero of Farathun. Now, his father lies dead, dishonored, stripped of his title. He is only a boy, untested, unnamed, unready to take up his father's sword. But that doesn't matter, because he has a plan. Three simple steps. 1) Master the sword 2) Earn his name 3) Take back his father's title It doesn't matter that it's impossible. It doesn't matter what challenges he will face. His family's legacy will continue, unbroken. But when opportunity comes knocking at his door, will he be ready to seize it? When a new teacher finds him, and challenges all that he thought was true, the boy is whisked away on an adventure that will take him far beyond the bounds of his home. He'll learn, and grow, and gain strength. He will find his place in the wider world, and leave his mark in history. Or die trying.
8 127 - In Serial24 Chapters
Apocalypse Man
The world has changed. A new order has been imposed, and humanity must fight for survival on a planet that suddenly has many new inhabitants. Aran Briggs will face every trial there is to survive in this harsh new reality.
8 205 - In Serial25 Chapters
Immortal's Life
A young man without ambition anymore, gaining imortality too easily, but to a price hard to forget. Now he want and dream of a peaceful life, but his fate will force him to take the path leading to his dream or his own demise.
8 210 - In Serial29 Chapters
Boundless [COMPLETED]
Valerie Anderson was once happily married to the man she vowed to spend the rest of her life with. Everyday was like a dream to both parties, until a mishap happened that drove the two apart. What will happen when her ex-husband, Damian Everson, is suddenly back in the picture? Will they be able to resolve their problems or will the grudge he holds against her stand until the end of time?
8 235 - In Serial35 Chapters
Growing Wings
Standing between demons dominating the entire continent lays a nation filled with fighters who pride themselves on keeping the evil at bay. Demon hunting is a lucrative and revered profession. Xellie wishes to become a hunter feared by demons, helping clean up the world. Motivated partly by wanting to save lives, partly by money, but mostly wanting to prove herself to her brother, Niko - a famous demon hunter partnered with an equally famous exorcist.It's a simple mantra to live by. Demons are bad. People who summon demons are also bad. It can't be complicated, can it?
8 236

