Look at the setting. If it's mainly set in China, with descriptions of Chinese landscapes, cities, and social environments, it might be considered a Chinese - related novel.
The origin of the author can also be a factor. If the author is Chinese or has strong Chinese roots, there's a higher chance that the novel has elements that are characteristic of Chinese novels. However, it's not always the case as non - Chinese authors can also write great novels with Chinese themes. For instance, Pearl S. Buck, an American author, wrote many works set in China that are deeply influenced by Chinese culture.
Well, one way is by looking at the length and complexity of the story. Novels tend to be longer and have more developed characters and plotlines.
One way is to consider the complexity of the story. If it's a simple story with few characters and a straightforward plot, it might be possible to write it in fewer words, say around 20,000 - 30,000. Another factor is the genre. For example, a short love story might need less words compared to a complex science - fiction novel.
One could consider the themes and how relevant they are to the American experience. A novel like 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' by Mark Twain deals with issues like race, freedom, and growing up in America. It uses humor and adventure to explore these important topics, which could be a factor in considering it a great American novel.
One way is to look at a sample of novels in a particular genre. For instance, take 50 best - selling mystery novels, count their words, and find the average. You can use software to do the word count easily.
You can start by seeing who the story focuses on most. If a character's thoughts and feelings are frequently explored, they are probably a main character. In 'Pride and Prejudice', Elizabeth Bennet's inner thoughts are often shown, highlighting her as a central character. Additionally, the character's impact on the plot is crucial. A character who causes major plot twists or developments, like Iago in 'Othello' who sets the tragic events in motion, is a very important character in the novel.
One simple way is to use a word processing software. Open the novel file in software like Microsoft Word. Then, use the word count feature which usually shows both the number of words and characters. This gives you the word length of the entire novel.
Determining the best margins for a novel is a multi - step process. You should begin by considering the physical size of the book. For a standard paperback, a margin of around 1 inch might work well. But if it's a large - format hardcover, you could potentially go for slightly wider margins, say 1.25 inches. Next, take into account the amount of text. If your novel has a lot of dialogue or short paragraphs, you might be able to get away with slightly narrower margins without sacrificing readability. Additionally, think about the style of the novel. A minimalist, modern - style novel might look good with narrow margins to give a sense of density and urgency, while a more traditional or historical novel may benefit from wider margins to create a sense of elegance and space.
Another way is to estimate. If you know the average number of words per page and the number of pages in the novel, you can multiply those two numbers. However, this is just an approximation as page layout and font size can vary a great deal.
The themes of the YA novel play a big role. A great YA novel often has themes that resonate with young adults, like self - discovery, first love, and dealing with family issues. For instance, in 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower', the themes of friendship, mental health, and growing up are explored in a very relatable way, which makes it a strong contender for a great YA novel. Also, the quality of the writing matters. Vivid descriptions, engaging dialogue, and well - developed characters all contribute to making a YA novel one of the best.
You can count the number of words in your manuscript. Most word - processing software has a word - count feature.