Slash (Surgery)

A Lesson by Jessie Sianodel

As evidence by the small amount of text below, this lesson actually works.

If you've ever tried to send in a manuscript, you pretty much know how some replies go. "Cut it down to 100,000 words and we have a deal." The problem is knowing how to artfully rip out parts of your precious book, without compromising it's integrity. Thankfully, there are three easy steps you can take to help cut books down to size.

1. Cut out every unnecessary 'then' you have. If it is needed, but there's an 'and' in front, get rid of the 'and'. You almost never need the two together.
2. Cut out any parts that do not further the story. Back stories are great, but they don't need to last more than two pages. Some people can even cut out whole chapters!
3. Rewrite. If you have long 20 word sentences that can be expressed the same way in 10 words, do it. Also proofread! Sometimes you add random words without thinking!

See, easy right? Because I'm so amazing at this, I'll add a special bonus section.

YA/MG/Teen Fiction: length is usually between 50,000 and 100,000 although it can go over. It depends on how well your story is actually written though.
Non-Fiction: varies even more than the above category. It can be anywhere from 50,000 to 250,000. It depends on editor/agent specifications and what age group you're targeting. Hint: Higher Age, Higher Word Amount.
Adult Fiction: Also varies. Nothing really ever stays the same. It is around 65,000 to 150,000 normally.

+++Again, all word counts are subject to change. Agents/editors/publishers may request different+++