In X-Ray Mag, we do not practice presetting specific word counts for feature articles. Rather than forcing articles into a predefined space, we strive to build the magazine around the features and not vice versa. Read more here >>>
A spread (double page) in the magazine contains approximately 400-500 words on average, after space is allocated for images and captions.
That amount of text corresponds to about one page of text in a standard Word-document.
A couple of pointers
- Posts on the website: Typically 300-600 words (a half to full page in Word).
- Short, newsy mentions are usually less than a page. Typically 300-600 words (a half to full page in Word).
- Factual features (i.e. science, ecology, physiology, technical diving, photography) are generally 1200-2000 words (2-4 pages in Word).
- Travel features and destination reports are usually 1500-2500 (4-8 pages in Word). Well... you get the picture.
An average page in the magazine has approximately 450 words.
The desired length and concision
Let the narrative unravel in a natural rhythm—don't fret over meeting some target— but strive to be concise.
Aim for the sweet spot or zone in between being long-winded and tersely truncated.
Check pasts issues of the magazine to see how it is usually done.
