Preparing for Publication

Book number three is nearing completion. I will soon be sending it for a copy edit. Whilst I wait, I have decided to let it rest for a couple of weeks. I have been editing and re-writing for months now, deleting around 10,000 words in total. Which means I have written around 90,000 words in this manuscript which is the most of any book so far. I now need to get some distance from it in order to finish it off and make it the best that it can be.

So how am I filling in my time? Don’t think I am resting on my laurels. Certainly not. There is still so much to do as I approach the launch. I haven’t officially set a launch date but it will be late January or early February. Watch this space.

When preparing to publish there are a huge number of tasks that need to be completed. These are the main ones:

• Write book description

• Plan a marketing strategy

• Send manuscript for proofreading

• Final round of self-editing

• Organise cover design

• Format manuscript for e-book and print

• Set up pre-orders

• Upload files to publishing platforms

• Order proof copies for print books

• Prepare marketing materials

• Reach out to book bloggers and reviewers

• Plan a launch event and a book tour

• Ensure my website is up-to-date

So as you can see there is still plenty to do once the book is finally written. But I am also keeping myself busy doing some courses and self-directed learning.

Not to forget, getting started on the next project. Not sure what that will be at this stage but I have 20,000 words in a memoir about becoming an author, and have started thinking about an historical mystery. I would also like to write a sequel to Breaking Free. So once again…….watch this space!