slushing

[girliejones]

I've spent the week reading submissions. I've come to the conclusion that most writers are too verbose and most stories need to lose at least 1000 words.

That is all.

Comments

[capnoblivious]

When I was on ASIM, that became pretty much my default advice to new writers: when you think it's ready to submit, cut the word count by about a third and then do so.

[girliejones]

Yup. Good advice.

[capnoblivious]

You'd also get the occasional "cut half your words and send the rest back in a different order" stories, but they were pretty rare.

[girliejones]

well those are just a straight up rejection.

[tallaudrey]

Sing it, sister.

[cassiphone]

hee, yes, I'd say those statements are true about 85% of the time.

[girliejones]

Heh. That's a big call - *only* 85% of the time.

[cassiphone]

Hee, it wasn't true of the last story I submitted to you! You made me ADD words. The last 15% are underwritten...

[girliejones]

Heh. Hmmm... you might be right, sometimes I do ask for more words

[brendanpodger]

Come to my arms my beamish girl, Oh frabjous day calloo callay! Only 1000? Oh yes, you are talking short stories aren't you.

[girliejones]

yeah am talking shorts here ... and some of the ones I've been reading could lose more than that.

[girliejones]

ahahahaha!! I probably include you in that!
Why are new ceres story subs soooo long???

[cassiphone]

It's cos everyone thinks 'olde worlde' and so all the characters use MORE WORDS to say basic things in a more formal manner.

[girliejones]

it's true. They need to stop that.