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Monday, September 19, 2011

Word Count: One Month Later

On August 19, I posted the word count on my WIP. So, now, one month later, I'd like to give an update.

Aug. 22-27:            5,582 words
Aug. 29-Sept. 3:     7,841 words
Sept. 5-10:             5,535 words
Sept. 12-17:           3,668 words

Total:                    22,626 words

On August 19, I estimated I had about 90,000 words to go out of a 110,000 word novel. I have to keep changing estimates, though. Now I feel the book is probably closer to 120,000-130,000 words in length, and I'm about, maybe just a little over, halfway. I've completed over 70,000 words, so I have about 50,000 to 60,000 words to go. (I'm not sure this math adds up, but, what the heck.)

I'm pleased with the progress I'm making, although I'm not sure I can finish the book during October. It's looking more like sometime in November. I'm thinking of self-publishing it in January or February 2012. I have some decisions to make, one of which is developing a cover for the book. I'd like to hire a professional firm to do that. I'm not sure how long it takes a firm to work up a suitable cover. Over and over again I hear and read that an eye-catching cover is crucial. So, that will be an important undertaking for me.

8 comments:

Charmaine Clancy said...

I'm impressed when people can work out their word count, I never know how far off finishing I am until I hit the end :)
Wagging Tales - Blog for Writers

Peggy Eddleman said...

That's some great progress! I love to see word count laid out like that. It's exciting and motivating. Good luck with it all!

Anonymous said...

Great progress, Richard! I've head that a cover is necessary. But one of my followers, Manzanita, said something interesting. She says she notices the cover but when she downloads the ebook, there's no cover. I guess it depends on the publisher. All WiDo did for my book was scan the photos I sent them and then put the title and byline in the center. How difficult could THAT be? Frankly, I'm more interested in how well the story is written than the cover. I just saw one in your slideshow, Story Engineering, that has no picture, just the words and the orange color behind them. I was drawn to catchy title in my younger days when I browsed the shelves of the local library.

Keep writing--and enjoy! I'm trying to enjoy this second memoir I'm writing with my friend, but I got bogged down today. Still, I'm almost through with chapter two. Don't want to deal with as many words as you're dealing with!! Wow. I'm impressed.
Ann Best, Author of In the Mirror, A Memoir of Shattered Secrets

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you're making great progress! Woo hoo! Happy dance.

Nancy Thompson said...

Congrats on the progress. You're rolling along! That's very impressive. I wrote my 85,000 first draft in like 7 weeks or so. Then I spent more than a year editing, revising and polishing it!

Tanya Reimer said...

Sounds like you have a plan. I like that.

Jolene Perry said...

Covers sell books. Straight up.

Good luck!!

Deb Shucka said...

I'm really impressed with your discipline here, and your focus. I hope the writing continues to go well for you.