Paring Down to Excellence: Preparing Your Fantasy Novels for Self-Publishing

In the realm of self-publishing, it's essential to craft compelling and concise stories that engage readers from the first page to the last. If you're a fantasy author with two volumes in a four-book series and your works are close to 400K and 450K words respectively, your manuscripts are indeed on the lengthy side. This raises the question: are your books too long for the modern market?

Why Length Matters in Publishing

As a seasoned publisher and avid reader, my advice is clear: your books are too long. While it might seem that a voluminous manuscript suggests a complex and engaging narrative, length alone does not equate to quality. Instead, it often indicates the need for extensive editing and structural refinement.

Books, especially ambitious series, should not be an endurance test for readers. They should captivate and maintain the reader's interest from start to finish. A well-crafted manuscript balances plot, pacing, and story engagement to create a seamless and exhilarating experience for the reader.

What Constitutes a Long Book?

Contrary to popular belief, writing classes are invaluable for developing the skills needed to produce a concise and engaging narrative. Experienced authors understand the delicate balance between providing background information and advancing the plot. They know when to

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Paring Down to Excellence: Preparing Your Fantasy Novels for Self-Publishing

In the realm of self-publishing, it's essential to craft compelling and concise stories that engage readers from the first page to the last. If you're a fantasy author with two volumes in a four-book series and your works are close to 400K and 450K words respectively, your manuscripts are indeed on the lengthy side. This raises the question: are your books too long for the modern market?

Why Length Matters in Publishing

As a seasoned publisher and avid reader, my advice is clear: your books are too long. While it might seem that a voluminous manuscript suggests a complex and engaging narrative, length alone does not equate to quality. Instead, it often indicates the need for extensive editing and structural refinement.

Books, especially ambitious series, should not be an endurance test for readers. They should captivate and maintain the reader's interest from start to finish. A well-crafted manuscript balances plot, pacing, and story engagement to create a seamless and exhilarating experience for the reader.

Why Are Long Books a Red Flag?

The first sign of an inexperienced writer is someone who says their books are hundreds of thousands of words, as is the case with yours. No, your book is not unique for its length. That length is a sure sign it needs to be drastically cut and rewritten. I once had a short story writer submit stories that went on and on about the sky, the details of the characters' clothes, and more, but the whole plot fell in three paragraphs. Cut the fluff and focus on the items that are critical to the story.

A book should not require the reader to wade through chapter after chapter of background information to get to the main plot line. When a good author writes, they don't focus on page count but on plot. They know the difference between background information that they need to write the story and background the reader needs to have. They also know the difference between a first draft that requires editing and a final draft after many rewrites.

Editing Strategies for Success

1. Critique Groups and Beta Readers

Do you belong to a good critique group? Do you have beta readers who are not best buddies or family? Your books are almost 100% guaranteed to be too wordy. Most first novels are far too long. Do yourself a favor and find a critique group that will give you valid, useful feedback and won't just attack or tear down. Find half a dozen people willing to be beta readers. Do not use your friends list or family to do this.

Pay attention to the feedback you get from everyone. If one person doesn't like something, it may just be their own tastes. If two or more don't like something, look seriously at the thing they don't like. Edit, cut, edit, cut some more. Trust your reader and don't over-describe details. Check for every place you are doing "tell instead of show" writing.

Do yourself the huge favor of making this book as good as you can get it with help from outside before you publish it. By tightening your writing skills, you can create a more engaging and effective final product that resonates with readers.

Conclusion

In today's fast-paced reading world, conciseness and clarity are key. Take the time to edit and refine your manuscripts thoroughly. With the right tools and support, you can transform your long-winded fantasies into the thrilling, engaging tales they're meant to be.