Episode 7: What's the Deal with Word Count?

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Smart Publishing Impact Series, Chief Editor Renée Lautermilch dives into one of the most common concerns among authors: word count. Do books really need to be a certain length to be taken seriously? How much should you focus on page count versus content quality? Renée breaks down the myths around book length, explains why traditional publishing pushes high word counts, and shares smarter strategies for creating engaging, impactful books without unnecessary fluff.What You'll Learn in This Episode: The truth about the 90,000-word minimum requirement in traditional publishing. Why bigger books aren’t always better and how excessive word count can harm readability. How online book sales have changed the importance of book size. Practical strategies to enhance your book’s value without filler content. Creative ways to add depth through journaling sections, visuals, and interactive elements.Key Takeaways: Focus on delivering value, not hitting a word count goal. Readers appreciate well-structured, meaningful content over long, repetitive books. There are multiple ways to increase book depth without inflating word count. Traditional publishing word count standards don’t always apply in today’s market.Next Steps:If you’re working on a book, remember that quality matters more than length. Whether you’re self-publishing or considering traditional publishing, prioritize creating a great reading experience over arbitrary word counts.Stay tuned for upcoming episodes, including discussions on intellectual property rights, defamation concerns in publishing, and inspiring author success stories.Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to rate, review, and share the Smart Publishing Impact Series with fellow authors!