Is your novel bursting at the seams? Developmental editor Anne Hawley reveals how she cut 100,000 words from her historical novel – and how you can trim your manuscript without losing its heart.

Anne shares battle-tested strategies for identifying and eliminating excess content, including:

• How to know if your manuscript is too long for your genre
• Four major areas to target for significant cuts
• Why "killing your darlings" is so emotionally challenging
• Smart techniques for preserving cut content
• When to keep your longer manuscript despite industry pressures

Plus: Learn why "the reader needs to know this" might be your biggest obstacle to a leaner, stronger story.

Whether you're writing fantasy epics or middle-grade fiction, these practical tips will help you craft a manuscript that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

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Join the Happily Ever Author Club for more resources:
Is your novel bursting at the seams? In this episode, developmental editor Anne Hawley reveals how she cut 100,000 words from her historical novel – and how you can trim your manuscript without losing its heart.

Anne shares battle-tested strategies for identifying and eliminating excess content, including:

• How to know if your manuscript is too long for your genre
• Four major areas to target for significant cuts
• Why "killing your darlings" is so emotionally challenging
• Smart techniques for preserving cut content
• When to keep your longer manuscript despite industry pressures

Plus: Learn why "the reader needs to know this" might be your biggest obstacle to a leaner, stronger story.

Whether you're writing fantasy epics or middle-grade fiction, these practical tips will help you craft a manuscript that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Join the Happily Ever Author Club for more support and resources: storypath.me/hea

Subscribe to our newsletter: pagesandplatforms.com/subscribe