Standard Word Counts

Navigating the specific requirements for different age groups is essential for a successful submission. Below is a breakdown of the standard word counts across the different publishing categories for children and adults.

Board Books (Ages 0–3)

• Word Count: Minimal text, typically under 100 words. Many successful titles use fewer than 50 words, and some concept books contain only 10–20 words.

• Page Count: These are often shorter than standard picture books and printed on durable cardstock. While the “standard” varies, they are designed to be handled by toddlers.

Picture Books (PB) (Ages 3–8)

• Word Count: Historically under 1,000 words, but the modern market is much leaner. Most editors now look for 300–500 words to keep the pace fast for young readers.

• Page Count: The 32-page structure is the common industry standard due to how book “signatures” (folded sheets of paper) are printed and bound.

Middle Grade (MG) (Ages 8–12)

• Word Count: Typically ranges from 25,000 to 50,000 words. Lower-end counts are common for contemporary “upper elementary” stories, while the higher end is reserved for complex fiction.

Young Adult (YA) (Ages 12–18)

• Word Count: Novels typically begin at 50,000 words. However, genres like Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Romantasy often reach 80,000+ words to accommodate necessary world-building and intricate plotting.

Adult and New Adult

• Word Count: The New Adult category (ages 18–25) and traditional adult fiction (such as Romance or Thrillers) typically start between 70,000 and 80,000+ words.

The Golden Rule 

Always verify the specific submission guidelines on the official website of your target publisher or agent. Because requirements can fluctuate between houses, meticulously following their individual instructions is the best way to demonstrate professionalism and ensure your manuscript is given serious consideration.