Smells like progress

[stillsostrange]

Words and words and words, many of them brand new.

The second draft of Dreams now weighs in at 101k SMF. It's already longer than the last draft, and I have chapters to go before I sleep.

Have I mentioned that I love this icon? It needs a necklace, I think.

Comments

[m-driven.livejournal.com]

drafts...

good on the new words. I think my 2nd draft will get a lot more. It is - i guess - a short 1st draft. Do you mind if i ask you some questions? I was wondering if there is some word count that I should aim for? Someone told me the publishing houses are looking for 70-100k in the genre i will be pitching. Not much more or less. (actually, i think they said 85k tops, 65k minimum). Is your 2nd draft substantially different? It's okay if you don't want to discuss. :)

[stillsostrange.livejournal.com]

I've also heard that 70-100k is a good range for a first novel. I tend to aim for 100k on any novel--anything less feels awfully small to me. I suspect this draft will end up around 110k, but some things will probably get cut after my beta-readers have their way with it.

[m-driven.livejournal.com]

whew, i was hoping that they were all not expecting 100k. it wouldn't suit this story very well. Plus it would take a lot for me to wrestle it from a 54k+ draft or so to 100. The Numinous One knows i underwrite stuff, but i don't think i could squeek that much out.