Tips for editing a story down

[flying_kiwifruit]

I need tips on how to get a story from 5300 to under 3000 for a competition and I have no idea how to do it properly. Any tips, anyone.

Thanks
Nat

 

[Tariel]

I would suggest that first, you go through and cut out any unnecessary words - it's amazing how much getting rid of a few words here and there will really cut down your count. Now, unless you're really wordy, you're not going to get rid of 2300 words that way, so look at it again and cut out anything that isn't essential to the plot (I would recommend saving this separately from your original document.) There are going to be parts that you really like that are going to need to get cut, but that's the way it works. If you want me to take a look at it and give you an idea of which parts you can cut without damaging the overall story, I'd be more than glad to take a look at it (either via PM or at Tariel_Vanari@msn.com) otherwise, just be vicious.

 

[MrBF1V3]

Yeah, what T said.
Also, after you've attacked all the extranious words, and looked at places you can substitute one strong word for five, etc, etc. you might consider whether you can tell less of the story... Could you take out the first three paragraphs and have the story start later? Is there extra material at the end? Could the story be told with one less character? Do they really have to say all this stuff? That clever little section you're in love with (I hesitate to say), is it really necessary? Any of these could pull you down a hundred words or so.

Good luck with the competition.

B5

 

[flying_kiwifruit]

I would suggest that first, you go through and cut out any unnecessary words - it's amazing how much getting rid of a few words here and there will really cut down your count. Now, unless you're really wordy, you're not going to get rid of 2300 words that way, so look at it again and cut out anything that isn't essential to the plot (I would recommend saving this separately from your original document.) There are going to be parts that you really like that are going to need to get cut, but that's the way it works. If you want me to take a look at it and give you an idea of which parts you can cut without damaging the overall story, I'd be more than glad to take a look at it (either via PM or at Tariel_Vanari@msn.com) otherwise, just be vicious.

Hey I have sent you a E-Mail with what I have editied.

 

[sunstruckdream]

Tariel's right. I can be a touch wordy, so every time I edit I cut out all the extra descriptions, words, and obnoxious syllables that bulk up the story and take away from the momentum of a plot. And believe me, you can cut it down pretty majorly that way - while bettering it at the same time!

 

[Tariel]

Hey I have sent you a E-Mail with what I have editied.

ok. I'm sorry I haven't gotten to look at it - I've been away, but I'll get right on that Sorry if it's too late

 

[Lindon Tinuviel]

First off, kill every adverb. Other than that, I don't have much to add that hasn't already been said.

I'd be happy to look at your story, if you want ( coffeemanic@myway.com ).

 

[sunstruckdream]

ALL adverbs aren't bad. A severe overdose of them is what's bad.

 

[Tariel]

I agree

 

[Lindon Tinuviel]

Ah, they're all bad and should die. The few that remain after the bloodbath will generally be the few that actually serve a good purpose.

 

[Tariel]

I would still disagree. Well-chosen adverbs are just fine, providing you don't use them obsessively.

 

[sunstruckdream]

Exactly. You don't want to overkill ANYTHING...but that doesn't mean you can't use anything. Adverbs are no different. They're just trickier to get around sometimes.

 

[flying_kiwifruit]

What are adverbs? the really bad english student side coming out here

 

[Lindon Tinuviel]

Adverbs modify a verb-form or an adjective, much like adjectives modify a noun-form. They're pretty easy to spot, as they generally have an -ly ending: quickly, stubbornly, painfully. "Holy", it should be noted, is not an adverb.

Despite my earlier hyperbole, adverbs can serve useful purpose. They should be used sparingly, though, especially ( ) minimizing the use of the word "suddenly" and the use of attributive adverbs.

Attributive adverbs are those which describe how someone says something.

"Give me back my cat," John demanded angrily.

"Pick me up," the toddler said pleadingly.

It's not necessary to actually get rid of all adverbs, or even all attributive adverbs. The unique problem with adverbs as a part of speech is that they're almost always "telling instead of showing." You can tell me that "John responded angrily" or you can show me that he's angry.

 

[sunstruckdream]

Yeah, I definitely see what you're saying. It sounds like we actually agree on that point, then - don't overuse them, and don't rely on them.

Good stuff.

 

[Lindon Tinuviel]

I think that we probably agree on almost everything involving the mechanics of writing, minor quibbles about punctuation and parts of speech aside.

 

[Tariel]

Yeah, I definitely see what you're saying. It sounds like we actually agree on that point, then - don't overuse them, and don't rely on them.

Good stuff.

Yeah...I agree too