My book

So, I finished the first draft of my book "Strings Attached" in December, and the second draft in May. I've been researching agent submissions and it's quite intimidating, but what I'm discovering, most importantly, is that my book is way too long to be taken seriously by any agent for a first-time writer. And yes, I've been writing for a long time, but never been published, so that still makes me a first-time writer.

Agents all recommend that your manuscript be between 80,000 and 100,000 words. Sure, longer books get published, but not by first-time writers. I imagine an agent, when given a choice, is going to read the shorter submission, even if the long one might be better. I would too.

The book is a love story and what I've decided I'm going to have to do is split it into 2 books. The first book will be essentially a romance about how the 2 main characters get together. The second book will be about how they fall apart.

So, last night, I was up late brooding about how the first book is going to work and how much it'll change. After discussing with Mom, my closest confidante, the first book will need a much stronger antagonist, which will change the story quite dramatically from what it is now. I really love the story and how it plays out right now, and I'm having pangs of distress that I have to change so much. I'm sure it will be a stronger story and will make it marketable, but it's hard to let go. There are a lot of really sweet little scenes between the two lead characters that will have to be cut.

So, this is my dilemma. Here is my plan. I need to flesh out a third character quite a bit more than he is right now, so I'll start by enhancing his character sketch. Then, I'm going to make a chapter-by-chapter synopsis to decide what stays and what will have to go. Then, I'll incorporate the changes into the synopsis, and lastly, write the damn thing.

Oh, did that sound bitter? I'm laughing right now. Like I said, it's hard to let go. ;-)