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Writers Retreat > Student Talk > Course Lessons > Assignment 1 > Assignment 1 - Word Count
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mortonca
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« on: September 02, 2009, 01:08:00 PM »
Hi All,

I have finished the story for assignment 1.  The first version came out at 900 words.  The instructions say that it should be 500-750 words long.  I deleted a few things, reworded a few other things and now it's down to 833 words.  I'm not sure what else to cut.

How strict is the word count on the assignments?

Cheryl
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chippy
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« Reply #1 on: September 02, 2009, 01:11:27 PM »
As they are trying to teach you the requirements for sending to publishers, they should be as close as you can get them. You are normally allowed around 50 words either way. Having said that, its a case of don't quote me, someone else might have a better answer. Smiley
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« Reply #2 on: September 02, 2009, 01:39:38 PM »
Hi Cheryl!  I don't think I've met you yet.  Welcome!

I agree with Chippy.  If you wish to become a published author, or enter any of your work in contests, etc., keeping within the required word count is a "must."  I've heard (don't recall from where/who) that it's safe to be within 5-10% either direction.  I agree whole-heartedly that it's challenging to stay within the regulations.  Best wishes to you!
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mortonca
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« Reply #3 on: September 02, 2009, 01:51:32 PM »
Thanks for the replies.  Nice meeting you too, mmmgood!  I've been lurking a bit, but I haven't hung out on the boards too much since I originally introduced myself on the "Glad to meet you" board.

So, I need to cut 80 to 100 more words from my story.  Where do I start?  Descriptions?  Dialog?  Right now, it feels pretty bare bones, so I'm feeling a little stymied.  The assignment is due next week!!!

Cheryl
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« Reply #4 on: September 02, 2009, 01:59:54 PM »
Okay -- as an instructor, if the story seems complete and you would really be cutting things you actually need...don't cut it. Just send it. Now if you had written 2400 words...well, I couldn't handle all that. But yours is not that long. At WORST, the instructor will stop line editing at 750 words...but probably not.

Jan
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Mikki S
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« Reply #5 on: September 02, 2009, 02:10:37 PM »
Welcome, Cheryl...

In answer to your question, what Jan said.  She is Queen Guru here on the boards  Smiley

Totally out of left field, I see your avatar is an Appaloosa.  Do you have one/raise them? My husband and I had a ranch in So.CA, and bred, raised and trained Appaloosas for 25 years.  My champion mare was an Appaloosa, but my other love was a Running Quarter Horse mare.

Enjoy the course, and don't hesitate to come here for answers to your questions, you'll find very supportive people here.

Mikki
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mortonca
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« Reply #6 on: September 02, 2009, 02:30:05 PM »
Hi Mikki!

I don't actually own a horse, but I took riding lessons a few years ago.  The best horses I've ever ridden have been Appaloosas.  If I ever get rich writing  Grin, I'll try to get back into riding and maybe even buy a horse.  If I do, it will be an Appy!

A friend of mine at the barn had a championship Appaloosa, "Let's Fly", that she let me ride once in a while.  It was pure joy riding a horse of that quality!  There's an article about Fly and Diane here: http://www.rockinga.com/tribute.html

Cheryl
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Jamie
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« Reply #7 on: September 03, 2009, 10:33:17 AM »
Hey,

For your first lesson, the instructor's are definitely a bit more lenient with word count. As Jan said, if you feel that you would be taking away from your story, then leave the word count where it is. The rule of thumb for the course (unless specified otherwise by your instructor) is 10% over or under the designated word count. As you progress in the course, the word count will be more important, especially since you will hopefully be sumitting your lessons!
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mortonca
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« Reply #8 on: September 03, 2009, 11:10:35 AM »
Well, I got it down to 822 -- partly thanks to the "Weedy Words and Other Excesses - Pruning your language" document in the extra help section -- which will have to do unless my local critics come up with some other ideas soon!

It will be really interesting to see if my instructor finds more ways to prune it!

Cheryl
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Jamie
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« Reply #9 on: September 03, 2009, 11:15:04 AM »
That will definitely be okay! 10% over would be 825, and you have made the cut. Also, you'd be surprised at what the instructors are capable of.
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« Reply #10 on: September 16, 2009, 04:03:55 PM »
Hi everyone. I just finished my assignment 1 and I am not sure about the word count. What do I count and what do I exclude? Do I count ''the, a, in, at, not, to''?
Thanks
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mortonca
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« Reply #11 on: September 16, 2009, 04:35:05 PM »
My word processor (MS Word 2007) keeps track of the number of words in the main document (i.e. not the header or footer).  As far as I know it counts everything, including all the small words you mentioned.

I found http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/ms/WORDS.pdf helpful when I was trying to get my word count down.

Good luck!

Cheryl
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« Reply #12 on: September 16, 2009, 04:48:22 PM »
Thank you so much  Smiley
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jfields
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« Reply #13 on: September 16, 2009, 06:25:37 PM »
You count everything but headers, titles, and subtitles.

These days my word processor does it...but I've done a lot of word counting in my time. But really, since you're online, you probably have a word processor that could be counting words...just one of those functions to make friends with.
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« Reply #14 on: September 17, 2009, 12:57:05 PM »
I found a website that you can copy your story onto, hit submit and it counts it for you.
http://www.wordcounttool.com/
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