… AFTER THE THIRD edit using green pen over the favoured red, a daring endeavour if ever there was one, there’s a sense of great acheivement. Then there’s the knowledge that a fourth edit is necessary on the computer. There’s no time to savour what is just another step on the way to publication. And as grand as it is that the book is shaping up, I also know there are plenty of things to improve. After relatively little chopping of text, I’m contemplating on what I can sharpen, and what have I left out?
At 136,000 words my word count is still alright for the genre compared to similar books. There are at least two whole pages I don’t mind chopping (~1000 words) and I’m not entirely satisfied with the ending as there are a number of ways I could finish the story. On a positive note, due to the flexibility of the last chapter, I can cut another five pages or so which is nice to know, it gives me a little breathing space.
I know some of you fellow bloggers are writing/ editing as well, so I hope all is going well on Planet Ink 🙂
LionAroundWriting 
Seems a bit long for a novel, so you might want to look at cutting it down a bit. What genre is it?
If it isn’t important to move the story along, you can do without it.
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I can’t say…yet.
But trust me the length is fine 🙂
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Wow! Good going… I hope it comes out just as you want. Waiting to read it soon, Lion! Best wishes and blessings. 🙂
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well when I re-edited it, it flows well and there’s enough drama, maybe a few blank spots. So I’m waiting for the ‘canvas to dry’ before re-re-editing again 2moro. Appreciate the support.
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Wow! Seems a tough task, but nothing too tough for Lion, right?? Stay blessed! 🙂
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In the words of Elmore Leonard – If it sounds like writing, get rid of it.
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Wise words. I’m pretty happy with what I have so far, just need to add some description here and there, the finishing touches.
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You’re welcome.
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Cutting may be a good thing. I read a while back that if you’re trying to sell a first novel, most agents and publishers want something around 70,000 to 100,000 words. Of course, you can’t cut material if it’s necessary to your story.
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If it was a typical book I’d be ascribing to that. It’s going to be at least 400 pages. Can’t say any more at this stage 🙂
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Lol…I understand. I keep my secrets too.
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I’ve got a manuscript that’s, in my opinion, ready to be published. But now I’m afraid to look at it, because I can’t go through it without finding something else I want to change, and I’m just so done with it. I think Da Vinci said, “Art is never finished, only abandoned.”
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Let it breathe, but don’t let it go to waste. It can be daunting retreading the same text but keep at it.
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