Should I finally extend the word count of my chapters?

[PBJ_Time]

It started with my fifteenth chapter when I decided I couldn't fit certain aspects of the plot to the next one, so it resulted in 2k words instead of the usual 1.5k.

- 15. A New “Humble” Beginning | Scribble Hub

www.scribblehub.com

Should I do this more often? It may be necessary since the strongest critique I get is that my pacing is too fast. I can try stretching it to 2.5k, but that maybe that's a bit much for the average web novel. Thoughts?

 

[Hans.Trondheim]

It started with my fifteenth chapter when I decided I couldn't fit certain aspects of the plot to the next one, so it resulted in 2k words instead of the usual 1.5k.

- 15. A New “Humble” Beginning | Scribble Hub

www.scribblehub.com

Should I do this more often? It may be necessary since the strongest critique I get is that my pacing is too fast. I can try stretching it to 2.5k, but that maybe that's a bit much for the average web novel. Thoughts?

Ya know, increase your word count IF you think it is necessary.

Some stories can be perfectly told in less words, while others need to have extensive word counts. Depends on the goals and the style of the author.

Just remember this:

Average webnovel reader can consume 1k-2k words.

2.5k is still fine, 3k is already a stretch. If you work like me, 4.5k words per main chapter, expect your work to never attract much readers.

 

[Tsuru]

It started with my fifteenth chapter when I decided I couldn't fit certain aspects of the plot to the next one, so it resulted in 2k words instead of the usual 1.5k.

- 15. A New “Humble” Beginning | Scribble Hub

www.scribblehub.com

Should I do this more often? It may be necessary since the strongest critique I get is that my pacing is too fast. I can try stretching it to 2.5k, but that maybe that's a bit much for the average web novel. Thoughts?

Back to old advice : Its like drawing.



So....................Like drawing, you keep doing it as long you are having fun and stop when its good enough.
(one chinese author overwrote a chapter but explain "bc i had the imagination running and didnt want to cut in the middle of this thing")

 

[Kalliel]

If you do that, try not to fall into the habit of writing for the sake of writing, only trying to increase the word count instead of progressing the story or adding meaningful details.

 

[Corrigible-steel]

It started with my fifteenth chapter when I decided I couldn't fit certain aspects of the plot to the next one, so it resulted in 2k words instead of the usual 1.5k.

- 15. A New “Humble” Beginning | Scribble Hub

www.scribblehub.com

Should I do this more often? It may be necessary since the strongest critique I get is that my pacing is too fast. I can try stretching it to 2.5k, but that maybe that's a bit much for the average

Its upto you. If you think its necessary for the story and is interesting then add it, but don't go overboard like 4k words or something (stay with in 2.5k words at the most).

I too am a rookie writer who had started to write just a ten months ago and from my little/tiny experience all I can say overwriting is not always good (I had to re-edit my novel's previous chapters because of awkward pace of the story and because many readers had told me that I tend to overexplain things a bit).

 

[Keene]

My chapters average just over 4k words, and I've never received any complaints from readers regarding the length—only positive feedback.
I think 3-4k is a nice sweet spot to let scenes breathe.
Anything under 2k is a mental point against me starting to read a series. Anything under 1k and I won't bother.
Then again, I'm pretty sure I've written conversations that have gone on for more than 2k+ words.

As another data point, my favourite time-loop series on SH recently posted a 41,076 word chapter and I loved every bit of it.

 

[wresch]

I write mystery novels, so I have been reading lots of James Patterson (he sells the most). His chapters are tiny. After reading a few of his books, I went back and cut my chapters into pieces. Yes, I was trying to be more saleable (or just readable since my books are free to download), but I think it also allowed me to emphasize a few things that might have gotten lost in longer chapters. I don't count words, but I do now keep my chapters to two or three pages.

 

[CharlesEBrown]

With the Jack Diamond stories, I try to kind of keep up with what Raymond Chandler wrote - about 1-2k per chapter, usually about 1.5k, as a style thing. With everything else, I write what feels correct, and often go back and chop stuff in half or merge chapters if they feel "off" before (or, once, while) posting.

 

[Beta_Krogoth]

No. Do not. I cannot write anything less than 6k chapters now. My latest are 7-8k on average. Finale is 9-10k.

Stay small, for fuck sake, stay small. I don't want to do the web grind anyway but yeah. Stay small.

 

[Leti]

Increase your word count if you are paid per words like Victorian authors.

 

[ATRUNA]

Honestly just follow what makes you feel like you're doing work right. Usually I write around 1k to 2k, but i can easily get to 3k or 4k and really, if it isn't more than a 500-1000 difference, then it doesn't hurt.