Word counts are the most common way to determine the amount of text you can fit in a page. A four-page, 8-1/2" x 11" format newsletter can hold approximately 2,400 words. This includes adding two or three photos or graphics into the project.

The front and back pages are usually lighter on text, with a word count of 400-600, which allows for the nameplate, and mailing panel, and table of contents. Inside pages can handle 600 to 800 words per page.

Photos or illustrations can make even the most mundane newsletter look exciting, but you must remember that for each piece of artwork you add, something else has to give, and that generally means reducing your word count.