When writing a story, it’s not uncommon for word count to spiral out of control. Writers often find themselves with a manuscript that exceeds the desired length, leading to unnecessary edits and frustration. The main question many face is: How can a writer effectively cut down the word count without sacrificing the story’s integrity? The solution is a balanced approach, the use of specific strategies, and understanding the underlying structure of your writing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reduce Word Count
- Set a Word Count Limit: Establish a maximum word count before you start your draft. This guideline will help keep your writing focused and organized.
- Identify Unnecessary Words: Review your manuscript to eliminate filler words. Words like “very,” “just,” and “really” can often be removed or replaced with stronger alternatives.
- Combine Sentences: Look for opportunities to merge shorter sentences that convey similar ideas into a more concise statement.
- Omit Redundant Phrases: Identify phrases that repeat ideas or concepts. For instance, instead of writing “He nodded his head,” simply write “He nodded.”
- Active Voice Over Passive Voice: Where possible, use active voice. Active voice sentences are typically stronger and more direct; they usually require fewer words.
- Cut Descriptions: While descriptions are essential for setting the scene, too much detail can weigh down the narrative. Focus on what’s necessary to advance the plot or develop characters.
- Limit Dialogue Tags: Instead of stating “he said,” “she replied,” or “he asked” repeatedly, consider leaving out the tags when the speaker is clear.
- Edit for Clarity: Aim for clarity in every sentence. If a sentence can be stated more clearly and concisely, do it. Look for ways to simplify language or remove unnecessary modifiers.
- Carefully Choose Adjectives and Adverbs: Modify your nouns and verbs with precision. This can often eliminate the need for additional descriptive phrases.
- Seek Feedback: Share your draft with others. Fresh eyes may catch unnecessary wording that you’ve missed.
Real-World Application of Cutting Word Count
Imagine you’ve just completed a fantasy story that has a hefty word count of 90,000 words. This exceeds the industry average for debut novels, which often sit around 70,000-80,000 words. You read through your text and identify a massive exposition scene that spans several pages, filled with details of the fantasy world. Though colorful and imaginative, it may slow the pacing of your story.
Example of Cutting Redundant Phrasing
Original:
“The moon was shining brightly in the starry night sky, illuminating the dark forest where the characters were having their discussion about the unexpected journey ahead of them.”
Revised:
“The moon lit the dark forest as the characters discussed their unexpected journey.”
This revision cuts the word count from 27 to 18 while maintaining clarity and imagery.
Pros and Cons of Cutting Down Word Count
Pros
- Improved Pace: Shorter sentences and tighter prose can make the story feel more dynamic and keep readers engaged.
- Enhanced Clarity: When you cut unnecessary words, what remains is often clearer and easier to understand.
- Stronger Impact: A concise narrative can amplify emotional weight, as every word carries more meaning.
Cons
- Loss of Detail: In cutting, there’s a risk of losing nuances or descriptions that set the scene or develop characters.
- Rushed Narratives: If cutting isn’t done thoughtfully, it may result in a narrative that feels rushed or underdeveloped.
- Challenges in Voice: Maintaining a unique voice can become more difficult when striving to reduce word count.
Best Practices for Effective Word Count Reduction
- Read Aloud: Hearing your words can highlight redundancies and awkward phrasing that may go unnoticed in silent reading.
- Know Your Genre: Different genres have varying expectations for word counts. Understanding these can guide how aggressively you lean into cutting.
- Utilize Editing Tools: Programs like Hemingway Editor or Grammarly can assist in pinpointing passive voice, unnecessary adverbs, and overall complexity in your writing.
Potential Pitfalls While Cutting Word Count
- Over-Editing: Cutting too aggressively can leave your story feeling skeletal and lacking depth. It’s crucial to balance brevity with richness.
- Ignoring Emotional Beats: Emotional resonance can be lost during the editing process. Always ensure that important emotional arcs are preserved.
- Overlooking Structure: When focused only on word count, some writers might neglect the overall structure, resulting in a disjointed narrative.
Actionable Tips for Streamlining Your Writing Style
- Use Lists: Lists can convey complex information in a simplified manner. Instead of lengthy descriptions, bullet points or numbered lists can present ideas succinctly.Example:
Instead of a paragraph listing necessary items for a journey, a list format might read: - A sturdy backpack
- A map of the area
- Enough food for five days
- Limit Backstory: Though backstory adds depth, providing excessive detail can slow down the plot. Include pertinent information only when it enhances the current action.
- Watch for Repeated Ideas: As you edit, keep an eye out for ideas or themes that repeat unnecessarily. A well-placed reference can keep the reader engaged without the need to reiterate details.
- Practice Minimalism: Adopting a minimalist writing style in your drafts can lead to more concise writing. Aim to tell more with fewer words, focusing on essential elements.
- Track Your Progress: Keep track of your original word count versus the revised count. This will not only motivate you but also help you see clear evidence of progress.
Understanding Your Audience and Their Expectations
Knowing your target audience can help shape both your writing style and the content you decide to cut. For example, young adult (YA) novels often favor fast pacing and brevity, while literary fiction may allow for more lengthy explorations of character and theme. Tailor your cutting strategies to meet these genre-specific expectations while adhering to your narrative goals.
Examples of Word Count Reduction in Practice
Consider a character’s internal monologue that spans several paragraphs.
Original:
“Jessica felt a whirlwind of emotions as she pondered what had happened at the party. She couldn’t shake off her disappointment that her friends had chosen to leave her out. It felt like the entire world was spinning around her, and she was left standing still, looking at everything unfold without her.”
Revised:
“Jessica felt a whirlwind of disappointment at being left out by her friends during the party.”
This example removes redundant expressions while retaining the emotional core of Jessica’s experience.
By embracing these techniques, writers can effectively reduce their word count while preserving the heart of their stories. It demands practice and patience, but with the proper approach, anyone can learn to write more concisely and effectively.
Cutting Down Word Count in Story Writing
- Eliminate Redundant Phrases: Often, writers use phrases that repeat the same idea. For example, instead of saying “each and every student,” you can just say “every student.” This reduces word count without losing meaning.
- Use Strong Verbs: Replace weak verbs and adverbs with stronger, more specific verbs. Instead of writing “ran very fast,” use “sprinted.” This not only condenses the word count but also enhances the imagery.
- Remove Unnecessary Adjectives: Avoid over-describing scenes or characters. If you’ve described a “bright, sunny day,” simply stating “a sunny day” will suffice. Focus on the most important traits that drive the story.
- Cut Out Dialogue Tags: When dialogue is clear, you can skip tags like “he said” or “she asked.” For instance, if a character says, “I’m going to the store,” it’s often clear who is speaking, particularly in a back-and-forth conversation.
- Avoid Fillers and Unneeded Details: Often, backstory or side details can be trimmed. If a character recalls a childhood memory that does not impact the current plot, consider removing that section or condensing it into a single line.
- Streamline Descriptions: Instead of lengthy descriptions of settings, use brief yet vivid imagery. Instead of “The quaint little coffee shop was filled with the aromatic scent of freshly brewed coffee and had vintage decor,” write “The coffee shop smelled of fresh brew and sported vintage decor.”
- Combine Sentences: Look for opportunities to merge sentences to convey the same idea more succinctly. Instead of saying, “She was tired. She decided to take a nap,” try. “Tired, she decided to nap.”
- Remove Explanatory Passages: Trust your readers to understand the context. If a character shows anger through actions, you might not need to explain, “She was angry.” The emotion can often be conveyed through the narrative without stating it outright.
- Cut Clichés: Phrases like “barking up the wrong tree” can often be trimmed to engage readers better. They take up space without adding originality.
- Eliminate Unessential Characters: If a character does not significantly contribute to the plot, consider removing them. This not only cuts down words used in dialogue and description but also clarifies your story’s focus.
- Assess Backstory Significance: While backstory can add depth, too much can weigh a narrative down. Incorporate only the backstory essential to understanding the current conflict or character motivation.
- Revise for Clarity: In revising, focus on clarity over flowery language. Sentences like, “The sudden awareness struck him like a lightning bolt,” can be revised to “He suddenly realized.” It delivers the same message more succinctly.
By applying these techniques, writers can streamline their narratives, ensuring every word works to engage the reader and advance the story.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to How To Cut Down Word Count
Q. Why is it important to cut down word count in a story?
A. Cutting down word count helps make your story clearer and more engaging. It eliminates extra words that might confuse readers, allowing the main ideas to shine through.
Q. What are some common areas in a story that can be trimmed?
A. Common areas for trimming include long descriptions, repetitive ideas, and unnecessary dialogue. Focus on keeping only what moves the story forward.
Q. How can I identify unnecessary words in my writing?
A. Read your writing aloud. If a sentence feels long or awkward, it may contain unnecessary words. Look for adjectives and adverbs that don’t add value.
Q. Should I cut character dialogue to reduce word count?
A. Only if the dialogue doesn’t serve the story. Ensure every line reveals something about the character or advances the plot. If it doesn’t, consider trimming it.
Q. What role does editing play in reducing word count?
A. Editing allows you to review your work critically. During this process, you can spot excess words, redundancies, and sections that can be omitted or condensed.
Q. Are there specific words or phrases I should watch out for?
A. Yes! Words like “very,” “really,” and “just” can often be removed without losing meaning. Also, watch for filler phrases such as “in my opinion” or “it seems that.”
Q. How can I condense long sentences effectively?
A. Break long sentences into shorter ones. Aim for clarity by stating your ideas directly, avoiding complex structures that can confuse readers.
Q. Is it okay to cut entire scenes from my story?
A. Yes, if the scene doesn’t support the plot or character development. Every scene should contribute to your story’s overall purpose and pacing.
Q. How can outlining help in reducing word count?
A. Outlining helps clarify your story’s structure, ensuring you stay focused on key themes and actions. This can highlight sections to cut before you even start writing.
Q. What’s a good strategy for reducing repetitive ideas?
A. While revising, look for points where you’ve expressed the same idea multiple times. Simplify or merge these ideas to keep your writing tight and effective.
Conclusion
Reducing your word count is essential for creating a tight and engaging narrative. By focusing on clarity, eliminating unnecessary details, and choosing stronger words, you can streamline your writing while maintaining its essence. Remember, brevity enhances readability, allowing your readers to connect with your story more effectively. As you refine your work, aim for precision in each sentence. With practice, cutting down words will become a natural part of your writing process, leading to more impactful stories.