Manuscript too long

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Toomanywords

I am brand new here. I finished my first book, a seven year memior, about a year and a half ago. I have cut over a hundred thousand words (yes 100,000), but I still have a 160,000 word count; I understand that this is about twice as long as a book should be, but after all the cutting I have already done, I am a little uncertain as to what else I can cut; I am destitute, so do not have a penny for an editor, but know that I cannot submit such a ridiculously lengthy manuscript to an agent; any suggestions would be greatle appreciated!
 

giftedrhonda

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Wow. I'll take some of your words - I tend to write on the short side! LOL!

I assume the story needs to be a seven-year expanse of time?
 

Toomanywords

Yes, it covers the seven years I was in an abusive relationship (while also living in Italy, traveling Europe, moving to CT, then CA, and having two children during that time, as well). It begins on the day I met him, and the last page is the day our divorce was final. There is more, but due to the ridiculous length, of course, I am saving that for book two. Thanks for such a quick response!
 

giftedrhonda

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Oh, ok.

Well, here's my suggestion (without having read any of the manuscript, I can't offer specific advice):
-the first thing I'd do is go get Debra Dixon's book Goals, Motivation, and Conflict. She's got great info in there about what the purpose of scene is. If your scene doesn't help illuminate/change/strengthen/weaken the character's goal, or it doesn't increase the conflict, or provide/change the motivation, then cut it. Every scene needs to count.

Another idea - is there anywhere in there where you can simply sum up and tell, instead of show, to help move the story along?

Just ideas...
 

Provrb1810meggy

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I, also, wish I had your problem. I'll be lucky if my YA novel makes 40,000 words.

Anyway, back to you. I'm not sure how you should cut it, but my guess is that you can. Post a sample in SYW, along with your dillema, and I'm sure many people will show you how to wittle it down.
 

Toomanywords

I will look for that book, and I will skim through my manuscript and see if I am being too showy, too often; thanks!
 

giftedrhonda

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No problem! If you need any further tips or anything, feel free to PM me. :D
 

underthecity

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Just a question before you get any further:

Are you absolutely positively sure general readers will be interested in an abuse memoir, especially one that looks to be about 550 pages long? If so, you may want to visit your bookstore and see how other authors have handled their material.

allen
 

dclary

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Isaac Asimov dedicated his 2-volume autobiography to his publisher, who when told Isaac couldn't possibly fit his entire life into just 1 book replied "then do it in 2."
 

Toomanywords

Thank-you everyone! I will try out the SYW. Although sexual abuse cases exist (Dept of Justice statistics are staggering), unfortunately, not a single book has been written about it; only about physical, emotional or childhood sexual abuse, but not a single one about adult sexual abuse; the entire time I was with him, I searched desperately for a book about it first hand, so that I wouldn't feel so alone. This will be the first one, so others out there won't have to go through it entirely alone, as I did.
My second one will show the last of the abuse by him, and will encompass all the abuse by my second husband (I know, bad habit), and his arrest on Father's Day, 2006, for the gruesome double-homicide of his elderly friends of 25 years. That husband was far more interesting than the first, actually, because he committed every crime you can think of. My second book, needless to say, will also probably end up being far too long, and I will have to figure out how to cut it, too. Thanks again for all your suggestions!
 

Toomanywords

"Since you have done so much travelling, perhaps the words to cut are the descriptions of places upon which your memoir do not actually depend"

Part of the aloneness was due to my isolation on such a small island (northern Sardinia), but aside from that, I will go back and eliminate a lot of the descriptions of my surroundings, which read like a travel log. Thanks!
 

Tsu Dho Nimh

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Toomanywords said:
I am brand new here. I finished my first book, a seven year memior, about a year and a half ago. I have cut over a hundred thousand words (yes 100,000), but I still have a 160,000 word count; I understand that this is about twice as long as a book should be, but after all the cutting I have already done, I am a little uncertain as to what else I can cut; I am destitute, so do not have a penny for an editor, but know that I cannot submit such a ridiculously lengthy manuscript to an agent; any suggestions would be greatle appreciated!

As others have said, post a chunk of it and we can see what is possible.
 

aarthurco

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I would ask if the publisher would consider two manuals, it makes sense to me given the length of time. I always have the same problem as everyone else, write to few words not too many. Good luck!
 
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