What Counts in the Word Count for the Challenge?

[jerseygirl]

Mike and Bea, I need the low down on what counts and what doesn't towards a word count in the challenge. I cannot believe how many people I have asked and how many don't seem to know, even old timers. These are some of my questions (and I really need to know for this challenge because I already submitted my piece and I believe I am 18 words over. But if certain things don't count, I may be okay. Does the title count? While I am thinking about title's, does the title count on the testimony challenge? When you have an author's note, does it count? I would assume that if one chooses to write out the whole scripture that that counts. But, when you are referencing a passage (whether you write out the whole passage or not) do the words that are titles (like John / Romans) count? Also, do the numbers like John 13, would the 13 count with in the scripture context? Thanks. This will really help me a lot and hopefully others as well.

[jerseygirl]

Sorry, it's me again. When you put your version down in abbreviation form like NKJV, does that abbreviation count? I really like putting the scripture vs's, if I am going to have some, in the body of the piece because I think it flows better and allows the reader to see right away (especially with that nifty cursor thing that you can just put right on the vs. there) what the author is trying to communicate. But to have it counted in the piece and not in the footnote kinda doesn't seem fair. It still is a part of the story either way. Maybe something I could do in the future would be to put the reference in the piece but if it doesn't count in the footnote to put what version it is in there. Just let me know guys, thanks Blessings to you both, Lish (not to be confused with Lillian, my nickname since childhood in my home)

[glorybee]

For the Writing Challenge, titles and author's notes do not count (but author's notes should be kept brief). If a scripture is written out at the end of an entry, that also does not count.

In the body of your work, numerals and abbreviations would count as words. We have a word count checker who checks each entry on MS Word's word counter, and anything with a space on each side is considered a "word" by MS Word.

That being said, there is a VERY small grace margin with the word count. If your entry is over, but within that margin, it is still accepted. However, if you think you are over, you are encouraged to trim a few words before submitting.

We do everything possible to accept each entry, so if you submit an entry that is over the word count and it is early enough in the challenge week, you'll be notified and given an opportunity to resubmit.

[beaedwards]

I have been out running errands all afternoon so THANK YOU for answering Jersygirl!
You saved me some digging