Hi,
I was reading literary agent, Rachel Gardner's blog about how to Tighten Up Your Manuscript.
Her advice was just good, general advice for anyone self-editing their novels — specifically writers trying to cut out the fat.
Possible Things to Remove
1. Adverbs — especially those with “ly” endings. Ask yourself if they’re necessary.
2. Adjectives — often people use two or three when one or none is better.
3. Gerunds — Words that end in “ing.”
4. Passive voice — Over-use of words like “was,” "were" and "that" indicate your writing may be too passive. Reconstruct in active voice.
5. Overly descriptive passages — these include not just scenes, but characters' thoughts and feelings in too much detail (i.e. long sections of narrative or interior monologue).
6. Passages that tell the reader what they already know.
7. Unnecessary backstory.
2. Adjectives — often people use two or three when one or none is better.
3. Gerunds — Words that end in “ing.”
4. Passive voice — Over-use of words like “was,” "were" and "that" indicate your writing may be too passive. Reconstruct in active voice.
5. Overly descriptive passages — these include not just scenes, but characters' thoughts and feelings in too much detail (i.e. long sections of narrative or interior monologue).
6. Passages that tell the reader what they already know.
7. Unnecessary backstory.
Some writers have a hard time cutting, but it can be fun. Think of the words dropping away like pounds on the diet. With each word your manuscript is leaner and meaner.
Once you've trimmed the fat, you'll notice the difference. And so will your readers.
di
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