This will probably be boring. This is one of those ‘announce publicly my rough schedule and plan so I feel obligated to stick to it’ sort of posts. It may be helpful to other writers or indie-publishers who want a window into the behind-the-scenes process, or if you’re just curious where my next book is on the assembly line.

• Finish rough draft of The Riddle Box.   [COMPLETE.] – 9/24

• Revamp of print and Kindle versions of Spell/Sword

1. Contact and recruit Copy-editing Strike Force
2. Print/order copies of Spell/Sword for copy proofing.
3. Distribute to CSF, then collect edits when complete
4. Enter corrections into CreateSpace template, then submit to service for re-release and update of Spell/Sword.
5. Print Version first, then Kindle, so there is always one version available for sale during review downtime by CreateSpace and KDP.

• Contact prospective Beta Readers for The Riddle Box

1. It will be nearly a month before The Riddle Box is ready for review, but some may need time to make sure they’ve read the published version of Spell/Sword.
2. Also, consider inviting a Beta Reader who has not read Spell/Sword, to see how well the book plays without preamble.

• All of previous steps must be complete before beginning to edit rough draft. [!]

• Rough Draft Editing

1. Print out paper copy and read with a brightly colored Sharpie in my hand.  Story edits, logic fixes, detail matching. Cut or add to draft based on this pass.
2. Read updated draft and record audio. Listen to audio while editing. Major grammar problems, sonic issues, repetitive language, wonky rhythms, things that just sound stupid when said out loud. Cut or add to draft based on this pass.
3. Depending on severity of changes, potentially re-record audio for new/fresh pass.

• Cry for a little while. Quietly and softly.

• Distribute to Beta Readers for review. (Give readers a deadline?)

• Anxiety Demons Jamboree [!]

• Contact illustrator and cover designer to begin work on new cover art and cover layout.

• Respond to edits submitted by Beta Readers, update the draft.

• Place Final Draft on CreateSpace template for print.

• Distribute template to CSF [Copy-editing Strike Force] for Quality Control

• Submit Final Print Edition to CreateSpace and KDP for review and publishing.

• Promote launch of The Riddle Box.

• Begin work on third book, Asteroid Made of Dragons