What's the recommended word count for my book?

The ideal word count for your book can vary depending on your genre, topic, and target audience. However, here are some general guidelines:

  1. Minimum viable length: Around 20,000 words is often considered the minimum for a full-length book. However, this does not mean that your book cannot succeed with fewer! 
  2. Quality over quantity: Focus on delivering value rather than hitting a specific word count. As I often say: Your book should be as long as it needs to be, but no longer.
  3. Genre considerations:
    • Self-help/How-to: 30,000 to 70,000 words on average
    • Business: 30,000 to 80,000 words on average
    • Memoir: 45,000 to 80,000 words on average [Add any other genre-specific recommendations]
  4. Reader expectations: Consider what your target audience typically expects in terms of book length.
  5. Content depth: Ensure you've fully explored your topic and provided sufficient value, regardless of word count.

Remember, these are guidelines, not strict rules. Many successful books fall outside these ranges. The most important factor is that your book effectively communicates your message and provides value to your readers.

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