Episode 21: Polishing Your Manuscript: Word Count, Structure, and Chapter-Level Editing Tips

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Recorded22 Oct 2025

Publisheranchor.fm ↗

Handlerec:19882842

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In this week’s Story Savvy Series episode, we receive chapter length advice, scene vs chapter structure, and using word count effectively. So please join developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] and author and editor Jena Doyle [jenadoyle.com] as they discuss how to editor your book yourself and what makes a good writer great! Jena is filling in for Agnes Wolfe [authorsalcove.com], to explore practical self-editing strategies focused on word count. Whether your manuscript is bloated or barely hitting the minimum, this episode unpacks how to make every word count—literally.Episode 21 of the 52-Week Story Savvy series explores how to meet genre expectations and refine your novel at the chapter, scene, and sentence level. Together, Rebecca and Jena provide actionable techniques to optimize pacing, balance chapter lengths, and trim or expand your story without losing its heart.They also discuss:-How to identify your ideal word count based on bestselling books-Strategies to tighten bloated manuscripts and cut unnecessary scenes-Smart ways to increase word count without adding fluff-Tips for managing chapter structure and reader flow-Tools like tally counters and search-and-replace to fine-tune your writingWhether you’re aiming to traditionally publish or self-publish, this episode offers essential insights for polishing your manuscript and aligning it with professional standards.Recommended Resources:Hartbound Editing Services – https://hartboundediting.comSilvie Pawn’s Godsend Series – https://www.facebook.com/GodsendSaga

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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