Are you working toward a word count and it seems like an impossible goal because you are running out of things to say? Well, let me help you. I have been known to take an author’s manuscript that was half the word count it was supposed to be and double it with these cool tricks that do not water down the content at all.
First review what you have written. Then ask yourself these five questions (oh and answer them):
1. Is there a step in my process for which I need to offer more explanation to the reader?
It's good to ask yourself as you are writing, “If I were a novice, would I really understand what I have written here?” Make sure that you are writing to the level of understanding of your target audience. Don't know who your target audience is? Click here, read, and then come back.
2. Could a story, testimony, or example add more impact, interest, or understanding to any of my points?
People like to see how a process or bit of advice worked out for someone in a real and relatable situation. Maybe you could have done that for a few of your points to really have your concept hit home. If so, do it and add more words.
3. Is it clear to my readers why what I have written matters?
If yes, do not write more on that. If no, write more in the introduction or first chapter about why what you are writing is important for your readers and to you. Do not overstate this.
4. Could I interject more whys into the rest of the book?
Making sure the reader can follow the context for each point you make may be helpful. Do this so that you are not creating a because-I-said-so scenario. This also helps with continuity, flow, and tie-in for the main topic of your book.
5. Is there more research or additional expertise from secondary sources I can cite and include?
Not only does this add further credibility to your work, but it also gives the reader the feeling that they are in a room full of smart people to help them through their journey—whatever it is. Now listen, let the bulk of what you deliver in your book be you. Do not go ham on the secondary sources. Readers buy your book to hear from you.
Finally here are some other ways you can stretch the content of your manuscript:
- Choose dynamic pull quotes.
- Add helpful sidebars (e.g., ten foods that help boost your metabolism, top ten apps for working moms).
- Tack on discussion questions or points to ponder at the end of each chapter.
- Pull in additional front or back matter such as a foreword, preface, introduction, conclusion, epilogue, or resource page.
- Include appropriate visual aids such as illustrations, graphs, or charts. (No clip art!)
Any other thoughts or suggestions on how to lengthen a too-short manuscript?