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Why, oh why....

Argh!!



Why oh why does editing have to be so painful???

Wait, strike that---- why does reducing a document by a third feel like dismemberment???

Editing really isn't that bad. Usually I look forward to what a really good edit will do to whatever piece I'm working on....but, cutting a story to pieces???

6,000 words....not a long document to start with, but, apparently for the market it's intended for,  it's 2,000 words too long *sigh*



So, 48 hrs later and 2 pages shorter, I've managed to shave 1,016 words... the hardest part is trying not to alter the overall workings of the piece. It's not easy trimming the fat from something that was already svelte to begin with....

If I can manage to slice away the remaining 984 words while still keeping the essence of my story, I'll be amazed. But, if my story doesn't survive the crash diet, I could always harvest its remains for decorative purposes....


Labels:

Comments

  1. JonJuly 29, 2011 at 10:23 PM

    Don't worry. When you make it big, you'll have your own editor. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  2. e.a.s. demersJuly 29, 2011 at 10:27 PM

    LOL... something to look forward to... :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. mshatchJuly 30, 2011 at 9:17 AM

    I feel your pain - but on a larger scale: trying to cut 50,000 words from a 164,000 admittedly bloated manuscript. I think your job is harder in a way though. Short stories are already pared down. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  4. David MacaulayJuly 30, 2011 at 8:32 PM

    editing is a pain - I always over write and then it's such a hassle to cut it

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousJuly 31, 2011 at 10:26 AM

    everything has a reason, you will see light after the painful journey.

    Happy Sunday!

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousAugust 3, 2011 at 2:54 AM

    Editing does suck!

    ReplyDelete

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