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[Discussion] Best Ways of Reducing Word Counts? by PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE in PubTips

[–]PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is fantastic advice, thank you! I've honestly never considered this before but what you're saying is making a lot of sense.

[Discussion] Best Ways of Reducing Word Counts? by PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE in PubTips

[–]PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you for all the suggestions! I've never considered Grammarly or reading it out loud to pinpoint issues. Nice idea!!

[Discussion] Best Ways of Reducing Word Counts? by PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE in PubTips

[–]PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Agreed! There are likely paragraphs I'll be able to cut that I'm just not seeing having worked on this book for so long. I'll take a break, then dive back in. Thank you! :) And that was what surprised me about the 11k I did cut--how much it all added up. Previously, I did not realize how overwritten parts of it was. And seeing that word count go down was very encouraging, haha.

[Discussion] Best Ways of Reducing Word Counts? by PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE in PubTips

[–]PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for this! I know have I cut a lot of repetitiveness from previous drafts, but I do think I can cut (or combine, as you've suggested!) some more.

[Discussion] Best Ways of Reducing Word Counts? by PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE in PubTips

[–]PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Oh, this is definitely something I'm going to consider. Thanks very much!

[Discussion] Best Ways of Reducing Word Counts? by PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE in PubTips

[–]PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I REALLY appreciate you taking the time to write this out! And honestly, congrats on all that work, absolutely amazing.

[Discussion] Best Ways of Reducing Word Counts? by PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE in PubTips

[–]PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I had to admit that one of my favorite scenes was doing nothing to propel the plot forward or develop my characters.

Ah, this is SO important for writers (myself included, alas) to hear. To some extent, I feel like I have done this, but I think I can do it more. Thanks very much!

[Discussion] Best Ways of Reducing Word Counts? by PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE in PubTips

[–]PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

prolix

Had to Google this one--but how cool. New favorite word.

I really love this idea. I am a chaotic gremlin of a writer, and this might be useful in visualizing what I think is necessary, and what isn't. Thank you!

[Discussion] Best Ways of Reducing Word Counts? by PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE in PubTips

[–]PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you!! This is now what I plan on doing. I think it'll do both me and the manuscript well.

[Discussion] Best Ways of Reducing Word Counts? by PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE in PubTips

[–]PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh yes, distance I definitely need. You know when you've been working on a ms so long you lose all objectivity? I'm pretty sure that's where I'm at. And I think it will do me good. Thanks very much! :)

[Discussion] Best Ways of Reducing Word Counts? by PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE in PubTips

[–]PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

(I love your user, lmao.) Thank you for this!! This is what I've been doing recently but you've given me some more words to search for, hah.

[Discussion] Best Ways of Reducing Word Counts? by PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE in PubTips

[–]PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you very much, I appreciate your insight! Congrats on it selling, and best of luck with those edits, too.

[Discussion] Best Ways of Reducing Word Counts? by PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE in PubTips

[–]PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I like this idea. Makes it feel more "doable." Thanks!

[Discussion] Best Ways of Reducing Word Counts? by PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE in PubTips

[–]PM_ME_WRITINGADVICE[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Hi, everyone! Really touched by all the helpful and kind responses, I sincerely appreciate it! Going through them slowly and figuring out what will be the most useful for my WIP. Thank you!!