the craft. getting meat on the bones.

Drafting is such an interesting place now that I’ve written a full-on novel. One of the best things about it is that I know more now. I’m taking everything my editor taught me the first go around and applying it to this new draft. I’m taking out unnecessary words, looking at pacing, making sure to ground the reader in time. One of the worst things about it is remembering not to compare the first draft of a new work to the final product of the first novel.

One of the things that can be daunting about drafting is word count. How exactly do you go from a blank page to hundreds of pages full of words? Well, first and foremost, it depends on the genre. Generally, nonfiction books range from about 50-80k words. While most genre fiction ranges from about 80-100k. These are generalizations. There will always be outliers, but it’s good to get an idea of what you’re working towards, first.

We’ve often talked about this idea of telling yourself the story in the beginning draft. For me, that rarely results in being anywhere close to my word count. Before I wrote my first novel, I always felt like I rushed a little as a storyteller. So I like to call that initial draft the skeleton. I’m trying to get enough of the story down on paper to get the gist myself. I’ve probably sketched out a rough outline of where I see the story starting or ending and then get to writing to see what begins to formulate.

For my current work in progress, that took me to about 46k words. Not too shabby, but nowhere near enough for a book. Once I had the concept from start to finish, it was time to put some meat on the bones. First and foremost by filling the gaps.

There were certain areas I was able to identify where I needed another chapter as a better bridge between what was happening from one part of the story to the next. Honestly, sometimes I think in TV/Film cuts and have to remind myself that literature doesn’t really work like that. So, those places are easy for me to fill in with actual words on later passes.

Then there is the process of nailing certain phrasing, paragraphs, and imagery better. I think we can all agree that the first words that spill onto the page aren’t always the best. “How can I say that better?” is a simple question that will surely get you more words. Also, “what did it look like?” and “How did that make them feel?”

The other thing in fiction, for me, is getting more of the characters on the page. There are times when I can feel like something might come off too long and drawn out so I abbreviate too much. In my current work in progress, I realized, I needed to give the love interest more time on the page. The reader needs an investment in the characters. This happens when they get a feel for how they interact. In continuing to revise, I was able to extend scenes and create new scenarios that they would be in together. Not solely exposition, but interacting in real time.

Right now, I’m already up to 54k words and still only about halfway through this next round of revision and reworking. I’m hoping to have a respectable draft by the year’s end which is when I’ll actually feel comfortable letting anyone else read it. When I’m ready to receive feedback, that will give me even more to consider and likely will add to the word count as well.

I believe the draft we sold of Good Morning, Love was roughly 79k words and once it went to print it was closer to 87 or 89K. I can’t remember exactly. But there was so much more work we did in beefing it up after acquisition.

Word count for a whole book can seem overwhelming. But it’s more about telling a great story than exactly how many words you’re writing. Some of the greats have had books with slim word counts, but do you think anyone cared or was Sula just expertly crafted?

You definitely need to work with your agent and editor on what makes the most sense for your project, but just know that you can do it! Anybody remember the movie “Water Boy?” Anyway, the fact of the matter is, which I’ll shout from the rooftops, at all times, the work is in the editing! Don’t be afraid if that first pass word count is low. You’ll get there, slowly and steadily, one word, one sentence, one paragraph at a time.

Writing/Job Opportunities

Will Martin is looking for journalists to cover topics including retail, transportation, general business for Insider, with a focus on originally-reported, visually-led stories, and longer-form features. wmartin@insider.com.

Kindred Parents the Black family focused community by Parents Magazine. They’re looking for reported essays and reported features only. Black writers, if you have stories about kids taking risks, unique takes on step-parenting that go against the grain, losing friendships after divorce or kids, thoughts on being “friends” with your kids. Pitch your story ideas to kindred@dotdashmdp.com.

The Black List is partnering with Hallmark Mahogany for a fellowship for Emerging Voices focused on highlighting the Black experience. Now accepting submissions. (Nov. 8)

Esquire is hiring a Staff Writer. (NYC)

The Atlantic is hiring a Staff Writer, The Daily.

Hyperallergic is hiring a Staff Writer. (BK, NY)

Culture Brands is hiring a Sr. Content Strategist and Editor.

Rolling Stone is hiring a Senior Editor, Entertainment. (LA)

Insider is hiring a Business Features Editor.

The Athletic is hiring a Staff Editor, NBA.