The number of chapters don't matter, you can spread out your words however you like. The important thing is to reach 50000 words. Personally, I think an average of a 1000 words per chapter isn't too bad, resulting in 50 chapters.

I think the 175 pages thing is just a guide for people who don't know how long 50k is. However, mine last year was only around 120, so I don't know what size font they're using! :D

On the site during November they activate the 'validation' form under 'edit my novel details' on the 'my nano' page. You can either type in what the word counter on your word processor says, or copy-n-paste the manuscript to get their word count verification.

At the end of the month you need to do it this way anyway or you can't collect your winners goodies if you hit 50k.

Their FAQ is really very helpful, I suggest you take a look.

Winners Goodies?

:} Elorithryn

When you've written your 50k you past your manuscript into the verifier. If nano agrees you've hit 50k (and sometimes it can be off - it doesn't like hyphenated words for example) it'll open up winner goodies page where you can download a PDF winners certificate, and various web badges that say 'nano '10 winner' and later on in December it give you access to your create space free proof copy code (I'm pretty sure they're doing that again anyway).

What is a proof copy?

:} Elorithryn

@Elori A proof copy is a version of your book before it's finally printed. It's bound and professionally printed etc and looks just like the real thing, except there is the word 'proof' on the very last page. It's so you can go through and check for typos, that you like the lay out etc before you put it as available for sale on amazon and a couple of other places, all through create space. The code doesn't run out until July so you have 7 months to edit your novel.

Whoa - so they actually make it so you can self publish as long as you do it within a certain time frame? O.o

:} Elorithryn

Yep :) Have to pay for postage, but yep :)

@aphrodite369 No, you have to do all the proofing yourself (or get a good and knowledgeable friend like Arys0kat to help).