Can only 10 articles form an essay collection?

Of course. The number of articles doesn't matter, but it's best to reach the right number of words. What is appropriate? There are two factors: one is related to the content style. A collection of children's themes, at least 1, 20000 words, with large fonts and interesting illustrations when typesetting. Considering the appropriate format, it is beautiful and lively. If it's an adult work, you don't need a lot of illustrations. It is suggested that there should be at least 70,000 or 80,000 words, and it is a small format. It's not good to be thinner. Second, if you publish a book at your own expense, you should consider the publishing cost (publishing management fee, printing fee, etc.). Cover paper is a kind of color printing, which is more expensive. Words are relatively cheap. If the number of words is too small, the proportion of cover cost will be too large. I think 15000 to 200000 is more appropriate. The minimum number of words has been said above. Of course, if publishers pay for books, it is up to them to decide according to the situation. The general principle is that prose collections should reflect their writing level and style, be beautifully bound and save money.