An example (one of many) of editing out unnecessary information:
Old version:
“Well it must work.” It was what he had to say because twelve days out of a year
couldn’t overcome the influence of the others. These days he treaded lightly, for
Jenny’s sake. Behind him, the screen door whined open.
New version:
“Well it must work.” It was what he had to say because he only had twelve days out of a year. Behind him, the screen door whined open.
We already know that this has been an unfriendly divorce, a messy custody battle. We’ve felt Jed’s discomfort and resentment, know that he is overcautious. If I were a really good writer, his answer alone would be enough.
I’ll work on that.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology