If this were my problem, I would read a number of other author's excerpts - see if there is a format - probably will be, I would think. I guess my question would be is this research being submitted to a publishing house for consideration? Not really clear how you wish to use this excerpt.....

Thanks Bert. I just found your answer. Strange that I didn't get an email telling me you answered. I'm still struggling with this. I've set it apart with the years, from 1987 to present, and it's still all over the place.

The story is scheduled to be published on crimemagazine.com, but I don't want it to be 10,000 words or more. I guess I'll finish it and then pull the 'highlights' for the excerpt.

I do want to send it to a publishing house when it's done.

Thanks for answering and hope you're having a great holiday.

Marilyn, have you outlined it? Somehow i feel I have missed something about what you are trying to do. YOu said you have it separaated by years -- is this a different issue than the excerpt? You are trying to shorten it for the crime
magazine?

Think of it like this: if you had to boil it down without giving away the ending, and I just wanted you to tell me what its about, what would you say? Written in a way that would make me want to read it, of course. This is where your working outline might help you -- or not. I never use outlines (but you can probably tell it in my writing, too! When I was forced to outline (in college), I did it after I was finished - just to satisfy an instructor. But outlining might work for you very well and you are comfortable doing this. Good luck! I've had a great Christmazs so far and hope you are, also!!