Let THEM talk 3. Underwrite - let the action and dialogue carry the piece. Keep the piece moving The number of words in a sentence determine its readability and a story which is not readable is unlikely to be published and if published is unlikely to be read. A sentence with eight words is regarded as being very readable while a sentence with 29 words is considered difficult to read. Readability can be enhanced by following a very short sentence with a longer sentence.
Short sentences give the piece pace but too many short sentences make it stilted.
One way to test the readability is to read it aloud to see how it rolls through the mind.