Knowledge Base
Find Answers to Your Self-Publishing Questions: Search Our Knowledge Base and Master the Terminology
Starting
Introduction To Childrens Book Publishing
Creating The Ideal Writing Environment For Childrens Book Authors
The Importance Of Crafting An Effective Book Summary
Brainstorming And Conceptualizing Ideas For Your Childrens Book
Planning
How To Plan And Choose The Right Genre For Your Book
How To Plan Your Story Using Flow
How To Develop Engaging Characters For Your Book
How To Plan The Plot And Key Conflict Of Your Story
Ideal Word Count For Illustrated Books Based On Age And Book Type
How To Define The Time Setting For Your Story
How To Write An Impressive Author Bio For Your Book
Should You Establish Your Own Publishing Company
How To Write A Captivating Book Blurb For Childrens Books
How To Plan The Ending Or Resolution Of Your Story
Setting Your Title And Author Name Before Applying For Copyright
How To Plan Where Your Story Begins
How To Conduct A Competitive Analysis For Your Book
How To Enter The Author Name For Your Book
How To Plan Distribution Options For Your Selfpublished Book
Understanding The Differences Between Fiction And Nonfiction
How To Plan Your Narrative Pointofview Pov
How To Plan The Plot Climax Or High Point Of Your Story
How To Plan The Theme Of Your Book
How To Choose The Right Book Type For Your Story
Typography And Text Design In Illustrated Books Best Practices
Understanding Book Types Formats And Sizes In Childrens Publishing
Structuring Your Childrens Book Plot Climax And Falling Action
Your Childrens Book Tone Theme And Point Of View
How To Define The Place And Setting For Your Story
Writing
Crafting A Compelling Plot In Childrens Books
How To Add Tags To Your Manuscript In Made Live
How To Plan Page Turns With Spread Breaks In Made Live
The Milestone Of Completing Your First Draft
Overcoming Writers Block In Childrens Book
How To Selfedit Dialogue In Your Book
How To Plan The Language And Tone For Your Book
Effective Techniques For Childrens Books
Registrations
How To Set Up And Modify Your Copyright Information In Made Live
How To Secure An Isbn For Your Book A Global Guide
How To Enter Your Isbn In The Section
How To Officially File For Copyright Protection As An Author
Designing
How To Check Your Storyboard And Design For Continuity
Revising Your Books Design And Layout For Optimal Flow
How To Add Back Matter To Your Illustrated Book
Choosing The Right Fonts For Your Book
How To Create A Title Page For Your Illustrated Book
How To Design The Back Cover Of Your Book
How To Set Up And Select Color Choices For Your Book In Made Live
How To Delete Extra Spreads To Avoid Blank Pages In Your Book
How To Add Your Barcode To The Back Cover
How To Check The Visual Appeal Of Your Book For The Target Audience
How To Modify Text Blocks In The Storyboard Workspace
How To Import Final Illustrations For Your Illustrated Book
How To Transfer Your Manuscript To The Storyboard
How To Create Effective Pacing In Your Illustrated Book
How To Use Visual Storytelling In Your Illustrated Book
Basics Of Book Illustration Style And Color In Childrens Books
Creating A Physical Book Dummy For Your Illustrated Book
How To Generate Or Import Placeholder Images In The Storyboard Workspace
How To Design A Book Cover For Your Book
How To Insert Copyright Information Into The Storyboard
Adding A Dedication Or Acknowledgements To Your Book
Prioritizing Accessibility In Childrens Book Design
Selfediting Your Book Layout Fitting The Story To The Format
How To Find And Hire A Professional Illustrator For Your Book
Choosing The Right Illustration Style For Your Childrens Book
Editing
How To Edit With A Final Read Aloud Before Sending To An Editor
How To Selfedit And Proofread For Grammar Punctuation And Spelling
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Illustrations
How To Selfedit For Filler Words
How To Review The Cover Design For Your Illustrated Book
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Clarity
How To Selfedit For Flow By Reading Your Manuscript Aloud
How To Selfedit For Punctuation In Dialogue
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Redundancy
Self Tips And Techniques For Aspiring Authors
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Vocabulary
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Consistency
How To Provide Clear Illustration Notes For Your Illustrator
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Story Structure
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Theme
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Pacing
How To Selfedit Your Manuscript For Your Audience
Steps To Finalizing Your Manuscript For Childrens Book Publication
How To Find And Hire A Professional Editor For Your Illustrated Book
How To Get Feedback On Your Manuscript
Publishing
Choosing The Perfect Title For Your Childrens Book
Preparing For International Distribution Language Translations And Multiple Formats
Going Global Preparing Your Childrens Book For International Distribution
Understanding Isbn Pcn And Pcip For Childrens Book
Navigating Legal Aspects Of Copyright And Infringement In Childrens Book
Navigating Contracts And Rights For Childrens Books
Navigating Self Vs Traditional In Childrens Books
Marketing
Building An Author Brand And Online Presence
Navigating Book Reviews And Publicity For Childrens Books
Connecting With Key Players Engaging With Schools Libraries And Bookstores
Mastering Book Launches And Promotional Events For Childrens Books
Maximizing Your Reach Utilizing Social Media And Online Platforms For Childrens Books
Mastering Effective Strategies For Childrens Books
Community
Joining Writing And Publishing Communities For Childrens Book Creators
Enhancing Skills With Workshops Webinars And Learning Opportunities In Childrens Book Publishing
Maximizing Your Publishing Success With Made Live Resources And Support
Building Connections Networking With Other Childrens Book Authors
Business
Navigating Literary Agents And Query Letters For Childrens Books
Advanced Marketing Techniques And Analytics For Childrens Picture Books
Leveraging Technology In Childrens Book Publishing
Staying Ahead Keeping Up With Industry Trends And Changes In Childrens Book Publishing
Embracing Diversity Exploring Diverse Themes And Representation In Childrens Books
Mastering The Query Process In Childrens Book Publishing
Ideal Word Count for Illustrated Books Based on Age and Book Type
Ideal Word Count for Illustrated Books Based on Age and Book Type
When writing an illustrated book, finding the ideal word count is key to keeping your audience engaged while maintaining the right balance between text and illustrations. The appropriate word count depends on the age group you’re targeting and the type of book you’re creating. Whether you’re writing a board book for toddlers or a graphic novel for young adults, this guide will help you understand how much text to include based on book type and reader age.
Why Word Count Matters
The word count of your book influences its pacing, the level of engagement, and how well readers connect with the story. For younger audiences, shorter, simpler text allows them to follow along without losing interest, while older readers can handle longer, more complex narratives. Matching your word count to your target audience ensures the book is accessible, age-appropriate, and engaging.
Ideal Word Count by Book Type and Age Group
1. Board Books (Up to Age 3)
Board books are designed for infants and toddlers, who are just starting to engage with books. These books are usually short and simple, focusing on basic concepts like numbers, colors, shapes, and familiar objects. The illustrations are the primary focus, with minimal text.
- Ideal Word Count: 50 to 100 words
- Focus: Very simple language, often repetitive, with a focus on visuals rather than narrative.
- Examples: Concept books (numbers, animals, etc.), short rhyming stories. The emphasis is on visual engagement, with bright colors and easy-to-recognize subjects.
2. Picture Books (Ages 4-8)
Picture books are a popular format for young children. They rely heavily on illustrations to tell the story, with the text supporting the visuals. Picture books are often read aloud by parents or teachers, so the text needs to flow well and be engaging for both the reader and the child.
- Ideal Word Count: 500 to 1,000 words
- Focus: The text should be simple but engaging, with clear language that encourages interaction between the reader and listener. Rhyming, repetition, and rhythm are common features. Narratives are simple but engaging, with concise text that leaves space for illustrations to enhance or even tell parts of the story visually.
- Examples: Classic picture books, humorous or educational stories.
3. Early Readers and Chapter Books (Ages 5-8)
Early readers and chapter books target children who are beginning to read independently. These books typically have short chapters and a simple structure, with illustrations sprinkled throughout to keep younger readers engaged.
- Ideal Word Count: 1,000 to 5,000 words
- Focus: Easy-to-understand language with short, manageable sentences and simple plot structures. The illustrations complement the text, but the story is the main focus.
- Examples: Early chapter books feature simple plots with straightforward language. Dialogue plays an important role in keeping the reader engaged, and illustrations continue to support the text by clarifying action or setting. These stories are often about everyday adventures or early school experiences.
4. Middle Grade Graphic Novels (Ages 8-11)
Middle grade graphic novels are for readers who are comfortable reading longer stories but still enjoy the visual support of illustrations. These books tend to have more complex narratives but are still accessible to young readers.
- Ideal Word Count: 5,000 to 20,000 words
- Focus: A mix of engaging visuals and text. The plot is more complex, with multiple characters and subplots and characters facing personal challenges, adventures, or moral dilemmas. The illustrations help to maintain the reader’s interest.
- Examples: These books often feature a mix of action, humor, and emotional growth. The narrative is deeper, with a more detailed character development and world-building, but illustrations continue to play an important role in visualizing key moments and adding humor or tension.
5. Young Adult (YA) Graphic Novels (Ages 12-18)
YA graphic novels target teens and young adults. These books often tackle more mature themes and have longer, more intricate stories. The visuals remain important but the text takes on a more significant role in driving the narrative.
- Ideal Word Count: 20,000 to 50,000+ words
- Focus: More complex themes and language, with illustrations supporting a sophisticated narrative. YA books often focus on personal growth, relationships, and societal challenges. The text is more prominent, with rich dialogue and inner monologues, while illustrations complement and expand on the narrative rather than driving it.
- Example: These books typically feature layered storytelling, where the text and illustrations work together to convey emotion and subtext. Themes are often more mature, reflecting the interests and experiences of teenage readers. While the illustrations remain important, the narrative carries more weight in terms of character development and plot progression.