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A Novel Cut
By Anthony James Barnett
A short time ago, I was asked for advice about writing. The wannerbe author had been sweating with a novel for over a year and was concerned about the time they’d taken, but also asked was it their job to hire an editor to check it over. I have to say, a year isn’t too long to be writing a novel; it’s probably about average. I know of authors who have taken several years to complete a piece of work, especially a début, when they’re striving for perfection. If you’ve put in all that effort with writing, why not spend time polishing it. In fact, buff it until it gleams, and whilst you’re at it, be professional and cut away those superfluous adverbs and adjectives. Nothing shouts amateur more than purple prose. Slash it out. I understand your reluctance to chuck words away, but by doing so you're acquiring excellence. It's better to have a thousand words less, which are accepted, than a thousand words extra, which are rejected. In terms of hiring an editor, if your novel is accepted, the publishing house will allocate an editor to make sure your book meets their high standard.
However, having said that, before you submit to a publisher you perhaps feel you’d like to purchase the services of an external editor to give a professional critique (someone like Hilary Johnson - find her on the web). These services aren’t cheap – so only use them if you really don’t understand what's wrong with your work. A reduced level of appraisal but nevertheless quite valid, can be found free in most on-line writer’s circles such as My Writers Circle - however don't presume to submit a whole novel, just extracts. When you’re confident the manuscript is ready, send your selected agent a short note asking if they'd be kind enough to read your manuscript. Enclose a very brief synopsis of your book (look to the blurb on a book jacket for guidance), explain the number of words it contains, and what genre it comes under. A longer synopsis should only be sent if they ask to see the first three chapters. Then sit back and pray.
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May, 2012
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