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Carol Joy Munro

Carol Joy Munro

wandering, wondering, writing

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  • About Me
    • Why I Write KidLit
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Kidlit Word Counts

“Official” word counts for the various kidlit formats vary slightly, depending on where you look, but here are general guidelines. If your count differs greatly, you may need to consider revising your manuscript or accept that finding a publishing home for it may be challenging. Preferences may vary by publisher/agent, so pay attention to industry chatter and submission guidelines.

  • Board books: under 100
  • Fiction picture books: under 1,000 (ideal 200-500)
  • Nonfiction picture books: under 3,000 (ideal 1,000-2,000)
  • Early reader books: 100-2,500 (check publisher guidelines)
  • Chapter books: 3,000-12,000
  • Middle grade novels: 20,000-35,000 (upper MG: 40,000-55,000 )
  • Young adult novels: 55,000-80,000

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Critique Services

Need some help polishing a manuscript or a query letter? Maybe a professional critique will help.

Learn more about critique services.

My Books

My debut picture book will be announced soon. When it is, I’ll tell you about the stork that inspired my tale.

Learn more about my books.

Writer Resources

Don’t know where to start in the writing business? Need a resource to help your manuscript? Want to know websites I visit?

Learn more about writer resources.

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