Is 5k words too much for the first chapter?

[rileykifer]

Is it possible to break it in half into a part 1, part 2? If not, then I don't see any other solution other than to make sure it's an amazing first chapter that'll keep people hooked. Personally, I'm not a fan of large chapters when it comes to online stories, but because I need plenty of stopping points because I tend to read on work breaks and such. 5k is way longer than I'd like, but if I'm really into it, I can overlook it.

 

[Hans.Trondheim]

So basically, I'm planning on releasing a new novel which I've been writing recently. (it's named iterate and I've linked the poster below) but my question here is. The first chapter turned out to be 6,788words long. I've tried trimming it or shortening it some aspects, which made it Haruka’s smirk turned ice-cold. “I know exactly what will make sure you never come near any of us again.”5,419words long. I can't shorten it further because every part of the chapter is necessary. So should I post it Or do people not like reading long chapters? View attachment 46835

Some readers might find the 'wall of text' intimidating to read, leading them to drop it on the first look. But, well, as long as it serves something in your work, why not? Can't please everyone.

 

[CharlesEBrown]

That is the absolute upper limit for Pocket FM (chapters must be between 1000 and 5000, and ideally 1200-2500 words)

 

[Ai-chan]

So basically, I'm planning on releasing a new novel which I've been writing recently. (it's named iterate and I've linked the poster below) but my question here is. The first chapter turned out to be 6,788words long. I've tried trimming it or shortening it some aspects, which made it Haruka’s smirk turned ice-cold. “I know exactly what will make sure you never come near any of us again.”5,419words long. I can't shorten it further because every part of the chapter is necessary. So should I post it Or do people not like reading long chapters? View attachment 46835

Ai-chan thinks you should split them into two chapters. Published authors aside, you're making people read your stories on the phone or tablet. The small screen makes reading over 5000 word chapter a chore and an annoyance. You don't want your readers to get a headache from reading your story.

When the Japanese webnovel scene first came into prominence, it was called mobile phone novels or keitai shousetsu. Why was this the case? Because it was written and read on the phone, usually while in the train (which usually takes about 20 minutes), during breaks or right before sleep. This means it's not going to be long, usually around 2000 words at most as anything more becomes a burden, both for the author and the readers. If it was longer, it ended up with them having to stop reading when they reach their destination or when their breaks end. That's super annoying because you will then have to scroll up to where you probably stopped.

So while it's up to you, writing very long chapters will alienate readers who read your story on the phone.

 

[Eldoria]

Honestly... as an author, I'd say, "Write as much as you want!"

But as a casual reader with a limited attention span, I'd say, "5K words for a prologue?! That's a lot... do I have to read this much before I find something that interests me?! No, thank you."

 

[mythosandmagic]

Length isn’t the issue. Engagement is.
A 5k chapter that builds tension or emotional investment will keep readers engaged.
A 2k info dump will lose them.
Hook first. World-build through story, not exposition.

 

[MFontana]

So basically, I'm planning on releasing a new novel which I've been writing recently. (it's named iterate and I've linked the poster below) but my question here is. The first chapter turned out to be 6,788words long. I've tried trimming it or shortening it some aspects, which made it Haruka’s smirk turned ice-cold. “I know exactly what will make sure you never come near any of us again.”5,419words long. I can't shorten it further because every part of the chapter is necessary. So should I post it Or do people not like reading long chapters? View attachment 46835

To be honest, I'm more inclined to read it, and probably would have preferred the original length more.
But if you're really worried about the length, post it in smaller parts, as long as you indicate that they are parts for chapters.
To do that, just find a good spot in the chapter about halfway through it, and cut it there, then release it as Part 1 and Part 2.

 

[Esden-Noir]

Funny sex number

Ayoo pause🫣

 

[Icemasters652]

Guess I'm going to be a bit of a contrarian and say make it around 1500 - 2000k in length.

This is both for your own sanity and to allow your readers to adjust their expectations.

If you write 6k words chapters almost every chapter you release I guarantee you will burnout and stop writing your story.

If you write 6k words on your first chapter and write 2k words on your second your readers will ask why there is fewer content in the 2nd chapter compared to the first etc. so its just bad strategy.