Word Count Tips

[seaislewitch]

romancingwizard

Romancing the Wizard
Word Count Tips

You may wonder why we take word counts seriously here at Romancing the Wizard. The reason is that this is a writing challenge with specific requirements. We want to see what you can do with a limited number of words. This keeps the playing field level for all authors too. (Plus, someday your editor will ask

Comments

[seaislewitch]

Yes, those would count as 'words'. Just like if you were using a date or location to show change. You can use separators that aren't words or numbers, like symbols: *** or you can double or triple-space between sections. Let me know if you have any more questions.

[seaislewitch]

You're welcome. Sorry it didn't go in your favour.

[myownmuggle]

Just so I know for sure, it is okay to anchor an ellipsis or an em dash in order to meet the word count?

Such as:

hall…KISSING!

and

happy-or

[seaislewitch]

The first one is cheating. It counts two words as one.

The second example counts correctly as two words in MS Word.

To check, just highlight the words in question.

[myownmuggle]

*nods*

Got it. I've adjusted the first one and a word elsewhere to make it all fit.