Why Word Count?

[Gamal]

Writers generally word count to keep track of their progress in a story. Why? Does this method make sense or is it counter productive. I just finished an essay on the subject. Take a look and tell me What you think.

http://bit.ly/1blH0hU

Have

[Jim]

Gamal wrote: "Writers generally word count to keep track of their progress in a story. Why? Does this method make sense or is it counter productive. I just finished an essay on the subject. Take a look and tell ..."

Word count determines not only the size of a book, but the list price and listening time associated with the audio format.
From my personal experience, I can tell you that my original manuscript contained 126,000 words. The final draft, after completing the conceptual editing process, contained 111,000 words, and I was required to provide an abridged version of 85,000 words for the audio book so that listening time would not exceed 8 hours.
I hope this answered your question.