Find a piece of writing about 500 words long. It can be your own [best] or someone else's [this can be delicious and make you feel superior but it's not as good as your own writing].
Read it. Think about it. Apply Part 1 of 'How to Self-Edit - Get in touch with your Inner Bitch' if applicable.
Do a word count again.
Now reduce what's left to a 300-word piece - without changing the tone or sense of the story. You can do it. This is where you get to be miserably ruthless. Ask someone to help you if you can't do it on your own.
If you've managed that, you've done well.
Now take out the razor, put it to the strop, and cull the piece to 250 words. Make every word sing for its supper, dance for its dinner and justify itself. This is what they mean when they talk about making every word work. If one word can take the place of 2 or 3 - use it. Get rid of every redundant phrase. If you want repitition, something else has to pay for it with its life.
Now re-sharpen and oil your blade. Store carefully. You'll need it again.
Jennifer
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