Give the editors what they ask for!

I pitched this article as "10 Ways" but then got too wordy and ended up with only 8 to get the word count right.

It's good to stick to word counts if you want to keep editors happy. As a magazine editor, I had freelancers submit material that was a good 50 percent above the word count. One told me, "This is longer than what you asked for but I assume it's easier for you to cut copy than have to add it.

No-o-o-o-o . . .

It's easier for me if you give me what I asked for.

https://www.osv.com/OSVNewsweekly/Article/TabId/535/ArtMID/13567/ArticleID/19952/8-easy-ways-to-learn-more-about-the-Faith.aspx

Just keep writing.