Hello, my friends and the occasional relative!

Guess what? I’ve finished my book again! Yes folks, I completed my proofing read through today. I can’t lie, I changed the odd sentence here and there, and some physical descriptions for clarity. I still have a few notes to clarify, 14 to be specific, (been there before, haven’t we?) but three are all around one issue, two another, and most of the others are of the “check X” variety, so not taxing.

I also did notice the recurrence of some words here and there, and changed some when not being deliberately used for emphasis. I noticed other tics of mine and decided not to pursue them, for that way madness and endless editing lies. I figured if I only noticed it now, on the Xth number reread, and that I did not notice at all on the last three full read-throughs I did, then it is not a problem. I doubt anyone else will read this book as many times as I have, and the fun part is I still get pumped up by it – so that’s a win!

This means that it is time to move on, and start on the road to publication. I know there will be another proofing read after formatting, so I’m sanguine about the small changes I made this time. (I know I will do another read-through before formatting, who am I kidding?) Beyond getting cover art and formatting arranged, I need to sort out my LCCN number and copyright, write advertising copy, and update the book blurb for the back of the book/the sales page/book description. Some of this will cost money, some of it is fun, some might inspire me to do more for my already published books. You never know!

I am excited. This will be my third published book, and it does make a difference I think. The first was awesome, got the writing a book for public consumption monkey off my back, the second made me feel more like a ‘real’ author with more than one title to my name, this one will make further establish my published presence with three books in a related world all set up and ready to go, proving I have the stamina to keep producing novels, and letting readers know that I am not a flash in the pan.

That was a longer sentence. This is a shorter paragraph.

I don’t think the thrill of publication will ever fade, especially as a self-published author. It’s like playing Pooh sticks, you drop your book into the water, run to the other side of the bridge, wait a second or two and voila! There it is, sailing down the stream, your book heading intrepidly out into the unknown, where you the author cannot really follow. (Not the best metaphor, as a paper book would probably just sink and become an unlovely ball of pulp, and never make it to the other side of the bridge… just go with me here – the book is a stick, and will float!) It is a bit of a moment, happiness shot through with melancholy and trepidation, but overall, happy. And a little proud of your achievement, because as my regular readers know: it’s a long road the novelist takes to reach their goal, and it ain’t easy.  

I am now going to have to write a different type of column when I finally do publish and share that moment with you. Hmmm. Have I shot my bolt too soon? Nah! I’m a writer! I’ll come up with something!

Here’s to you, my friends, and may all your books or artistic endeavors float merrily down the stream, and find friendly ports aplenty!