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My Publishing Process: Editing, Photos & Publisher Status -- The Caging at Deadwater Manor

10/10/2015

2 Comments

 
Well, I survived the editing stage with the publisher! It was definitely a grueling process, especially having to work full-time at my day job and editing at night and on the weekend.  There were two rounds of edits for me and three rounds for the editor.  

Here's how the process progressed.  I received an email in July from the editor, introducing herself. She also stated that I would be receiving her edits in August.  They came in right on time, but I had only ten days to return my edits - yikes!  She did say, however, that I could extend the time if there was a reason such as travel.  I figured I'd go for it though, so I spent 20 hours primarily over the weekend and finished the edits up during the week.  There were numerous edits within the text which I painstakingly accepted or denied (there were only a couple denied and I provided the reason).  There were also several general comments on certain sections the editor thought I should take a second look at for consistency, believability or strengthening.  The comments were excellent and I made the changes to reflect these in the text.  One of her comments in the text stated that she loved a scene because it reminded her of The Walking Dead!  I hope others feel that way!  It wasn't my intention when I wrote it, but once she mentioned it, I could see the similarities.  So, I added another scene later on to accentuate it more.  

I made the ten day deadline and sent her back my edits.  About five days later, I received the second round of edits.  There were several, but much less than the initial round.  I was still noticing errors in the text, however, so I spent another 24 hours re-reading the text twice and sent back these edits ten days later. About three days later, I received the final version with a note that no further changes could be met at this time.  The text was sent over for typesetting and I would have another opportunity to make minor changes. In the meantime, I prepared the publisher's author information form which includes general information, book blurb, excerpt, and various information for the cover artist.  I also had a photo shoot with a professional photographer for my author picture.  It was hard to choose, but here it is:

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I'll use this photo and several others for marketing purposes in the future. From what I understand, spending money on professional photos is worth the cost.  This photo was taken by Jaimi Weatherspoon at Essentia~Special Moments Photography.

Next, I should hear from the publisher in about a month or so about the typesetting and book cover.  I found out that my publisher, Damnation Books, was bought out by Spero Publishing, though.  So, I'm not sure if this will affect any timelines yet.  From what I've read so far, Damnation Books, Eternal Press and Spero Publishing will be consolidated into Caliburn Press, but I'll have to wait to hear from the new publisher to confirm. It came without warning, so I was a bit surprised to say the least.  Hopefully, the transition will be smooth and I'll know the release date by the end of the year.  We'll see.

While I wait, I'll continue to look for any nagging, leftover spelling errors in the text so I'm ready for typesetting and finalization.  I'll also start taking videos and photos along the Gulf Coast here in Florida and areas where my story is based, so I can use them in the next step -- the book trailer.   I'll leave that to another blog!

Thanks for stopping by.  I'll keep you updated on the progress.
2 Comments
Tina Amiri link
5/5/2016 03:37:10 pm

I think of all the book descriptions, yours intrigued me the most. To be fair to others, they may have excellent novels, but I tend to enjoy character-driven fiction--fiction that you can relate to because it is the stuff of nightmares on earth. I will have to check it out to confirm, but that is the reason for my initial comment. Good luck! If you feel the same way, check out my book too: Whatever The Impulse.

PS. As for your editing experience, I sure can identify! I dealt with so many industry professionals over the years, and each one contributed to my learning curve--until I went "to the other side" and worked as an editor for a literary agency myself. It's funny how you always think you nailed it, until the next round of edits is over and then you think... "Wow, glad I did that next round of edits." This can go on for years, even if not with the same book. The best thing in the world that can happen to a writer is to meet an amazing editor who doesn't hold back.

Reply
Sandie Will
5/6/2016 02:50:11 am

Hi Tina - wow, thanks very much! I'm the same way about books and I'll definitely check out yours. I also like writing them that way because I really get to know and feel the characters. Having such a great editor who was honest made the book so much better. She brought different perspectives I hadn't thought of before. Just waiting on a book cover and it'll be out. Lots of luck with your book too! Sandie

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    Sandie Will is a multi-award-winning, psychological thriller novelist who lives in Tampa Bay, Florida, and works as a geologist by day.

    She has been married to her husband, Charlie, for over 30 years and they have two sons. Her favorite place to write is in her back room “treehouse” in the arms of an old oak.

    AWARDS & RECOGNITION:

    The Caging at Deadwater Manor

    2020 Top Shelf Magazine Awards: First Place - Young Adult Horror
    2018 Florida Writers Association Royal Palm Literary Award: First Place - Young Adult/New Adult Fiction
    2017 Readers' Favorite Book Awards: Honorable Mention - YA Horror
    2017 #1 AMAZON'S HOT NEW RELEASES


    The Takings

    2020 Florida Writers Association Royal Palm Literary Award: Finalist in Blended Fiction

    The Replacings
    2021 #1 AMAZON'S HOT NEW RELEASES


    She can be found on Twitter as @SandieWillBooks and @RockHeadScience, Instagram @sandie_will, as well as her Facebook page at Sandie Will, Author.  

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