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Giovanna Clairval · 20th November 2007, 02:21 PM

Hi, Green

You are sooo right about wordcount terrorism. As for me, I wrote my stuff without thinking of the problem...

But then I read a few editors' blogs... and a few threads here. And a freelance editor --one who has an impressive history of editing bestsellers-- before reading the typescript, said that, with a 190 000 word novel and an unknown writer, it was risky to submit (in the States, anyway). And this is all very reasonable.

Still, I wouldn't have cut off bits of my baby if it hadn't been for "plot" reasons: I had three storylines in it, and the third one wasn't hefty enough, while it added too much complications...
I don't feel I gave in to wordcount terrorism. My third story was superfluous; it'll make for a good prequel

.

So, my two cents are: cut if it is necessary, but for reasons inherent in your oeuvre.

I've just read five chapters of Jonathan Strange and I see why the novel was meant to be like it is; everything seems to be necessary for the building of an atmosphere (and that outrageous--and marvellous-- use of enormous footnotes...!); it's a whole.

20th November 2007, 02:21 PM	#22 (permalink)
Giovanna Clairval Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1,127	Re: Question of Pages Hi, Green You are sooo right about wordcount terrorism. As for me, I wrote my stuff without thinking of the problem... But then I read a few editors' blogs... and a few threads here. And a freelance editor --one who has an impressive history of editing bestsellers-- before reading the typescript, said that, with a 190 000 word novel and an unknown writer, it was risky to submit (in the States, anyway). And this is all very reasonable. Still, I wouldn't have cut off bits of my baby if it hadn't been for "plot" reasons: I had three storylines in it, and the third one wasn't hefty enough, while it added too much complications... I don't feel I gave in to wordcount terrorism. My third story was superfluous; it'll make for a good prequel . So, my two cents are: cut if it is necessary, but for reasons inherent in your oeuvre. I've just read five chapters of Jonathan Strange and I see why the novel was meant to be like it is; everything seems to be necessary for the building of an atmosphere (and that outrageous--and marvellous-- use of enormous footnotes...!); it's a whole.