Well, common filler words like 'um', 'uh', 'like' in a more informal sense, and overly used adverbs such as 'very' can often be cut. For example, instead of saying 'He was very tired', you could say 'He was tired'. Also, words that don't add much meaning to the sentence, like some redundant prepositional phrases, should be considered for removal. Look at your sentences closely and see if words can be removed without changing the core meaning.
To cut filler, analyze each chapter or section. If a part doesn't move the story forward, doesn't develop characters, or doesn't add depth or tension, it's likely filler. Be ruthless in eliminating these.
Well, 'just', 'maybe', and 'sort of' are among the filler words to cut. 'Just' is used so often but often doesn't add much. For instance, 'I just wanted to say' could be 'I wanted to say'. 'Maybe' can make a statement seem less certain than it should be in a novel. 'Sort of' is a very weak expression. Instead of 'He was sort of angry', you could be more definitive like 'He was angry'. By removing these filler words, your novel can have a more direct and engaging style.
The 29 words could vary greatly depending on the style and content of the novel. If it's a mystery novel, perhaps words that give away too much too soon in the form of excessive foreshadowing. In a romance novel, overly flowery language that detracts from the emotional core of the relationship. In a thriller, words that slow down the pacing, like long-winded internal monologues of the characters that don't really build tension. It really requires a close reading of the text to determine exactly which 29 words should be cut.
Words that can be cut from your novel include passive voice constructions when possible. For example, instead of 'The ball was thrown by John', you could say 'John threw the ball'. Another type is excessive prepositional phrases. Instead of 'He walked in the direction of the store', it could be 'He walked toward the store'. And words that state the obvious, like 'he sat down' (sitting usually implies down).
To identify words to cut from your novel, pay attention to redundancies. If you have two words that mean the same thing, like 'big' and 'large' used close together, one can go. Also, look for words that don't add value to the action or description. For instance, if you say 'She quickly ran' and 'quickly' doesn't really change the impact of 'ran', it could be removed. Additionally, words that are used too frequently can be identified and cut back on.
Common words to cut might be overly descriptive adjectives that don't add much to the story, like 'very' or 'extremely'. Also, redundant adverbs. For example, if you say 'He ran quickly' and the context already implies speed, 'quickly' could be cut.
Filler words also play a role in the development of the narrative voice. An omniscient narrator might use different filler words compared to a first - person narrator. The choice of filler words can also change over the course of the novel as the character grows or the situation changes. For instance, a character who becomes more confident might use fewer filler words as the story progresses.
In novels, filler words can also be used for character differentiation. A nervous character might use more 'um's and 'ah's compared to a confident one. They can be a subtle tool for characterization. Moreover, in some cases, filler words can be used to create a regional or social dialect. For example, certain words might be more common in a rural setting's dialogue, which can help to paint a more vivid picture of the world in the novel.