Motivation and emotion/Assessment/Chapter/Word count

How to reduce word count and improve quality

It is possible to write a top-quality book chapter within the maximum word count—that is the challenge.

In fact, most full chapter drafts can be significantly improved, rather than weakened, by reducing the word count.

If you are having difficulties complying with the word count guidelines, consider these strategies:

  1. Renegotiate the topic so that it is more specific (i.e., less territory to cover)
  2. Reduce introductory material—provide brief explanations of basic concept (with links to Wikipedia articles and/or related Wikiversity book chapters); in this way, the chapter concentrates on the main topic (i.e., directly answers the question in the sub-title)
  3. Reduce breadth of coverage—narrow the focus (e.g., instead of covering 5 theories, what are the most relevant 2 or 3 theories?)
  4. Reduce depth of coverage—avoid unnecessary detail; check whether content is aligned with the sub-title and focus questions
  5. Choose the best citations and references—use the top theory and research sources about the topic; be selective; avoid over-citation (e.g., multiple citations per point)
  6. Remove weasel words—a lot of sentences can be improved by shortening (e.g., try the Hemingway app]; cut to the chase; don't beat around the bush
  7. Use an AI text summariser—these tools can help to sort the wheat from the chaff and to clarify key messages
  8. Move some content into subpages (which don't count in the overall word count, but also doesn’t count for marking purposes)
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