Jennifer
asked
Martha Hall Kelly:
Hi Martha! I read your book and enjoyed it very much. I'm a debut author with a completed manuscript. Like your novel, my novel has 3 central characters. I have an editing/agent hunting question for you. My original word count was 200K. With worth-smithing I have cut about 30k. Can I ask what your word count was when you searched for your agent? Thanks in advance for any advice you can give this novice author! :)
Martha Hall Kelly
Hi Jennifer, I don't remember the exact word count for Lilac Girls, but it was high. Over 200K when I submitted to publishers. If agents like your manuscript they can tell you their thoughts on word count--it seems everyone has slightly different thoughts on the subject. And the initial goal is to get them to read at least the first few pages. Then, hopefully they'll love it so much they will work with you on the word count!
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Tania Dosenberger
asked
Martha Hall Kelly:
I missed that the book was based on true stories. My heart broke so many times during your book without even knowing that. Thank you for telling such beautiful stories and I look forwards to reading more from you. I guess I need to have a question mark for this to post ?
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