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06/20/2005: "There Is A Light..."

731 words to go. 7. 3. 1. Not bad. Except these are the hardest, since I've pretty much filled up every spot that could possibly take more words.

But what's cool is that none of the 4500 words I needed to add have been fluff or padding. (At least, I don't think so.) The added words have added depth to the story, and I'm really pleased. Of course, I'm still not sure I've cut enough of what the editors wanted, but I did cut a LOT, and I think it works. Then again, I thought it worked before.

It's really, really strange working by word count and NOT page count/word estimate. I'd have been done a LONG time ago, had I been working with the page count. For example, Temptations are supposed to be 60k. So by properly formatted page count, I'd need 240 pages. Right now, because I'm working with ACTUAL computer word count, I have 260.

BUT...because I'm sending to England, and because M&B uses actual word count, I don't have to use the standard page format. I can change the font to TNR and cut around 40 pages, which will make a huge difference in postage costs. Yay!

Okay, back to finding ways to insert 731 actual words of non-padding while repeating to self: There is a light at the end of the tunnel. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. There is a light....

Replies: 17 brave souls responded

on Monday, June 20th, Jordan said

Larissa, A few other publishers are doing the actual word count. St. Martin's comes to mind, but I may be wrong there. I know EC always worked with actual word count. It was weird (but nice) to switch to page count with Kensington Brava. Made things MUCH easier. Hang in there. You'll get your 731.

on Monday, June 20th, Charlene said

hey, you're almost done! And you have coffee. Winning combination!

on Monday, June 20th, Amy said

I'd bring my rah-rah cheerleader smiley over here if I could! You're so close! Good luck tracking down 731 more words.

on Monday, June 20th, Alison said

Hey, since they've asked for revisions more than once and since they're way across the pond, have you asked if you could email the finished product this time?????

on Monday, June 20th, Steph T. said

Yay!! Almost there!!

on Monday, June 20th, Michelle said

Actual word count totally changes things, I think. It's so much harder for me to get out of that mindset.

But you're doing great. Keep it up! Almost there!!

on Monday, June 20th, Teresa said

Yay Larissa

You go, girl!!

on Monday, June 20th, Lynn Daniels said

Yay, Larissa! Fingers crossed that light gets bigger and brighter quickly.

on Monday, June 20th, Silma said

You go girl!!! *brings pom-poms to cheer up*

on Monday, June 20th, Beth C said

I would be so thrown off by that word count thing. Yikes! But you're almost there. Go, Larissa, go!

on Monday, June 20th, Teresa said

Good Luck! You're almost there!!

on Monday, June 20th, Joely said

*cheering* Go, Larissa! You're doing great!

on Monday, June 20th, jaq said

WTG, Larissa!! You're on fire girl.

on Monday, June 20th, kacey said

You're close!!

That switching to actual word count would throw me off too though...

on Monday, June 20th, Linda said

In the home stretch, Larissa! Pulling for you!

on Tuesday, June 21st, Shesawriter said

Larissa,

I can wish you well today with your revisions because I DID get something done on mine today. Yes, I was productive and I only goofed off once.

Tanya

on Tuesday, June 21st, Larissa said

Yay! All this good luck is working. It's working well! I've breached the light!!!

And yeah, the actual word count thing is messing with me.

Alison, that's a good idea. I'll email and ask!