Read that blog entry with pleasure, Virginia. Professionals cut 30,000 words out of manuscripts is another one I could add -- but only if it doesn't castrate the story involved! It isn't about whether one obediently does everything market pressures demand, it is about whether one does it with artistic integrity firmly front and centre and a vision of what one is about. After all, if artists have no more vision than "sell book, make money, join club" -- then why the hell should anyone pay any more attention to them than we do to vacuum cleaner sales men? (end of rant)