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Sunday, November 18, 2012

Final edits — and the hunt for a title

My manuscript came back from the caring hands of my good friend who had offered to copy-edit it. In keeping with her goodness and her wealth of experience, she offered more than simply a rigorous copy-edit.

I was delighted to discover that much of our conversation about the story was around the mechanics of English and the use of stronger, as in vital rather than colorful, language.

My friend did highlight two areas where the plot thinned rather than thickened, but the lapses are easily repaired.

One thing, however, needs to change — the title. *sigh*

I knew it did. The current working title is the second one the work has had. But I knew it needed to be something else.

If I only knew what it should be.

Anyway, I know I'm in the final editing phase. There's nothing structurally wrong with the story. A nip here, a tuck there, a sprucing up and final dusting and it will be ready.

Once I have the title...and maybe a new cover.

Yike!

3 comments:

  1. Sometimes I think the title is more difficult than writing the entire story - that, and the blurb for it. How do you adequately capture the essence of your tale in just a couple of words? Titles drive me crazy!

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    Replies
    1. Indeed it can be, Laura. I sort of have the blurb, but the title escapes me.

      As I've already got a follow-on percolating in the back of my mind, it seems this is a series of some sort. So, now I'm stuck for a series title also!

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  2. I agree the title is more difficult because its the first thing the potential reader sees. I have a WIP called Wizard - I know it's not the right title, hopefully I will think of something else somewhere down the track. Your friend sounds like she gave you some sound advice!

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