What sort of chapter length do readers prefer? · 3:08pm Feb 13th, 2017
Hey all,
So this is a bit of a subjective question, but I'm curious to hear what other readers prefer when it comes to chapter lengths? I am currently finishing Chapter 3 for my work The Story of a Moonlit Soldier, and at this point the story contains an interesting mixture of chapter lengths. Chapter 1 is very long (>13,000 words) while Chapter 2 is a much less intimidating length (<4,000 words). As of now I am about halfway through writing Chapter 3, and it is definitely looking like this will be sitting somewhere in the middle of the previous two chapters in length.
This post is because I am curious if other readers pay attention to chapter length when picking stories to read. I personally don't. And in my own opinion (at least as far as length is concerned) as long as I am enjoying the story, I like long chapters. However, I could see how a reader could find a long chapter intimidating and feel put off from devoting time to a story. As such, I am considering splitting Chapter 3 into two parts (as there is a break in location I could theoretically use to pace out the story). I personally feel that the story flows better if it remains as one singular chapter, but I don't think splitting it up would disrupt it too much. With that being said, I'm trying to better myself as a writer, and would love reader feedback in how chapter length can affect your enjoyment of a story (if at all) before I make a final decision.
As always, all comments are appreciated.