Word count is important in a short novel as it helps in categorization. For instance, some short story contests or anthologies have specific word count limits. If your short novel doesn't meet the criteria, it won't be eligible.
Another way is to use online word count tools. There are many free ones available. You simply copy and paste the text of the short novel into the tool's input area, and it will quickly give you the word count. Some popular ones are WordCounter.net and Online - Utility.org. These tools may also provide additional information like character count, sentence count, etc.
Well, generally, a short novel has around 20,000 words on average. Some might be shorter, like 15,000, and others could be closer to 30,000. It really depends. For example, in the mystery genre, short novels might be on the shorter end to keep the suspense tight. But in literary short novels, they could be a bit longer as the author might focus more on character development and detailed descriptions.
No, there is no standard word count for a 400 - page novel. It can vary a great deal based on the author's style, genre, and the intended audience. For instance, a young adult novel might be more concise and have a lower word count compared to a complex literary novel.
The word count of famous short novels can vary greatly. For example, 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry is relatively short, usually around 2,000 words. Another well - known short novel, 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson, is about 25,000 words. And 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens is around 30,000 words. However, there are also very short masterpieces that might be just a few hundred words long.
Typically, headings are excluded from the word count of a short story. The focus is usually on the main text. However, some contests or editors might have their own rules, so it's always best to double-check.
Whether or not blank spaces counted in writing a novel depended on the situation. In some cases, a space may be considered a word count, and in other cases, it may be considered a wasted character.
In traditional sci-fi, fantasy, and martial arts novels, spaces are usually regarded as word count because they are usually used to separate chapters, describe scenes, and monologues of characters. This usage often causes the reader to be confused when reading because they don't know if these spaces count as words.
However, in modern novels, such as modern horror novels and urban novels, the use of spaces is more flexible. Some authors might use spaces to create tension or to emphasize the inner struggles and thoughts of the characters. In this case, blank spaces are seen as an important writing technique that can help readers better understand the story.
Therefore, whether or not spaces were counted as words depended on the type of novel and writing style. When writing, it is best to decide how to use spaces according to the style and story.