Writing my first novel, is 800 words in one chapter/part too short? (read context plz)

[2DLenzy]

Hiya! Newbie artist-turned-writer here. I have been writing my first AF novel in the background off-and-on for a few months, and I wrote a prologue chapter that ended up being a little over 2500 words, give or take. I felt like this was too long for a starting chapter and split the chapter at a natural point where it's left on a moment of suspense, and the latter part is action and mayhem.

But the latter part is only 800 words. The first part is over 1700.

Would that work or is that one part too short?

(Sorry if I'm being real vague, still kinda at the starting line in terms of story. I might post a link to some actual writing/plot later once I get far enough ahead and comfortable with writing/talking about writing vs art. This is just my biggest nick-pick issue atm.)

[vapidink]

In general, 800 words isn't bad for a site like Tapas. The ideal length is supposedly 1500-2300 words, but it's not unusual to have shorter chapters now and then. As long as the chapter doesn't feel incomplete, then it should be fine. But if you feel it's too short you could always add on to the second part and try to get it to 1k. Get more descriptive and elaborate on some points you might have left out to not make the first version any longer.

ETA: Just checked and I have an opening chapter of 3600 words on another site with a final chapter of 6800 words so don't worry, readers won't mind long chapters, lol.

[Panpan]

thats a totally acceptable length, though any length is fine depending on your preference! I have a book where each chapter is at least 1500 words, another of at least 1300, and my third between 800-1200.

[Leyelle]

For a prologue I think 800 words would be fine, since it's kind of an intro/teaser. Both halves are the prologue right?

[eldritchtroubadour]

Hey everyone, Chapter 21 is out. We finally get my favorite character to write showing up!

How do you move forward when the one person you love is gone?
Caelan thought his life was over—until he woke up in another world, one eerily familiar from his late wife’s favorite game series. But this isn’t a dream or an afterlife. He’s trapped in the body of Leopold, a notorious antagonist, and there’s just one problem: Leopold is still here, and he has no intention of giving up control.

Here are a link to Chapter 1 and one to the Novel page for you all to check.

Read The Ascendant's Path :: Vol 1 - Ch 01 - How to Live After You | Tapas...

Read The Ascendant's Path | Tapas Web Community

[Algae]

Yeah I think its fine, if I was reading I may be surprised but I wouldn't mind, especially if its the ideal time to end the chapter, I think its nice for authors to have this kind of artistic freedom, and it can be a pleasant change of pace sometimes I think?

[2DLenzy]

Thanks for the advice, guys! I actually realized a few later chapters may have this similar situation (one is around 2700 words, lol). Maybe keeping it whole would kinda let the reader know what they're in for. I might play around with the writing a bit, without fluffing it too much. Still early, but now that I know there's no general limitations, I'll just write what feels right until I can share and get actual feedback on the content. Might be a couple months before you see anything, cause I gotta illustrate, but I'm looking forward to sharing soon.

(And yes, if ya know me, it does feature birds/anthros XD)

[Panpan]

Please promote is places that are meant to promote. This is a thread asking about word count

[Panpan]

Personally, if a chapter is borderline 15000 characters, I would split it into two parts. That way, you get the double the views hahaha