How Long Should the Story Be?: #

There’s no single rule, but we do have a helpful range.

Your story should be at least 300 words so it has enough space to breathe. And while we allow up to 1,500 words, most stories find their rhythm in the 500 to 800 word range—a sweet spot that invites depth without overwhelming readers.

That’s around one printed page.

Remember: it’s not about length. It’s about meaning. What mattered? What changed you? What stayed with you all this time?

Short and vivid is better than long and meandering. And if you’re not sure when to stop, just aim to say what’s true and what feels whole.

We’ll help shape the rest.