tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460209779821780899.post3566496509518810480..comments2024-02-08T06:46:00.071-06:00Comments on The Scribblerati: If it works, it worksShawn Enderlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11114716025423874806noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460209779821780899.post-46833976811479544182010-04-27T10:27:47.158-05:002010-04-27T10:27:47.158-05:00P.P.S. Also, this opinion might change depending o...P.P.S. Also, this opinion might change depending on how this final final edit of mine turns out, word count-wise.Jonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09581880415411016683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460209779821780899.post-11028567951085108492010-04-27T09:50:56.436-05:002010-04-27T09:50:56.436-05:00I’m all for following the rules. I check and doubl...I’m all for following the rules. I check and double check and then send in everything they ask for, I just “forget” to mention the word count (although I DO put it on my synopsis… even though no one really seems to ask for a synopsis anymore… after all that work…). I don’t think the omission is intrusive and really, in today’s market, I just can’t see any outcome to including a large word count in my query other than a negative one. <br /><br />To me, selling yourself isn’t just about trumpeting your “strengths”; it’s also about downplaying your “weaknesses”.<br /><br />It’s one of the first things they see. It goes: My name, their name, BOOM! BIG ASS WORD COUNT! What else could they be thinking at that moment other than “Wow, something that large is a hard sell.” And what follows a few sentences later? “Oh, first time author too?” Now, I don’t believe that this would automatically disqualify me in all situations, not necessarily, but it certainly doesn’t help. <br /><br />After much consideration, on the chart of acceptable risks, I am more willing to chance that some Agent/Editor is going to look at my query, after scanning it close and careful, and announce: “No word count! Into the garbage with you!” more than I am willing to showcase from jump street that my book could be considered… a bit large-ish or perhaps… unwieldy.<br /> <br />I figure, if they request the full thing, they’ll feel the heft and can decide then. I’d just rather, if at all possible, to have my thingy rejected due to content or ability, not possible future issues with size dependent upon current market trends, you know?<br /><br />But that’s me.<br /><br />I am glad to hear your book made it though, nice work. It does make me feel better. Congratulations.<br /><br />P.S. Also, I'm totally for more cuts, if someone can find them and presents a reasonable case, I just don't see them any more.Jonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09581880415411016683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460209779821780899.post-90907488958029884202010-04-26T17:24:57.098-05:002010-04-26T17:24:57.098-05:00If it makes you feel better, AMONG THIEVES clocked...If it makes you feel better, AMONG THIEVES clocked in at ~ 142,000 words when it was picked up by my agent, and then by Roc. I managed to trim it back to 137,500 or so after edits. But I also included the word count in the initial submission. Why? Courtesy and professionalism. <br /><br />If the agent or editor wants the word count*, then who am I to say boo? I want to come across as a professional, and to do that I need to follow their guidelines. Looking like you can't follow instructions (and may therefore be difficult to work with) can get you bounced as easily (or more so) than having a higher-than-average word count. <br /><br />Trust in your story. And, at the same time, be ruthless with it. Not everyone is Joe Abercrombie or Patrick Rothfuss: there may be more to cut. Or there may not be. In the end, you have to make that call. But I'd argue that you stand behind it when you do. Be up-front about what you are handing the people you want to work with. Remember, it's not just about selling your first book -- it's about selling your second through Nth books, too. You want to be the kind of writer that your agent and editor can trust. If the book is something they really want, I expect they'll find a way to work with you on it.<br /><br />*(Caveat: When I say follow instructions, I mean it. If, in a query, the don't want word count, you could opt to leave it out, I usappose. However, if they specify it, or want a partial, then I would definitely include it.)Douglas Hulickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04221190213829107139noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4460209779821780899.post-35828580105289415182010-04-26T17:11:08.318-05:002010-04-26T17:11:08.318-05:00Nice post. Also, Go D&D! One of my fav pastime...Nice post. Also, Go D&D! One of my fav pastimes years ago. I understand Laurel K. Hamilton credits D&D as where she started honing her craft as a writer.Mark Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16149150207177841693noreply@blogger.com