Publication - Steps

29 October 2011, Publication - Steps

Introduction: I realized that I need to introduce this blog a little.  I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon.  The working title was Daemon, and this was my 21st novel.  Over the last year, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing.  In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes.  You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published.  I'll keep you informed along the way.  At this moment, I'm showing you the marketing material I put together for a novel.

Today's Blog:  If you go to my writing website www.ldalford.com and select "production schedule," you will be sent to www.SisterofLight.com where there is a record and list of the steps in the publishing process.  Here's what that process looks like:

Steps in the publication process:
üContract

ü     Proposal with novel information and synopsis sent to publisher - 3 June 2008

         This novel was odd because the publisher requested a sequel and therefore knew it was coming.  Generally, the publisher wants information and a synopsis in their format prior to receiving the manuscript.

ü     Manuscript sent to publisher - 3 June 2008, 10 January 2009, 8 October 2009

ü     OakTara agreed to contract the Novel - 11 June 2008
ü     OakTara sent a contract - 20 July 2008
ü     Contract signed and returned - 22 July 2008
ü     Final signed contract copy returned from publisher - 1 August 2008, 19 Feb 10
Cover - will move to the author page when I have an initial cover, this section and info will also move to the secrets page with a cover.
     Request from publisher for cover ideas - when I finish a novel, I develop a title (if I haven't already), produce the marketing information and synopsis (usually a 500 and 250 word synopsis), and work on a cover concept.  I have one in mind for this novel, but it is a take off on the original cover for Aegypt.
ü     Sent cover ideas to Publisher - 16 October 2008
     Publisher's recommended covers
     Final front cover development
     Development of cover back
     Final entire cover
     Cover spine sized for book
Contents
ü     Manuscript sent to publisher - 3 June 2008, 10 January 2009, 8 October 2009
     Proofs sent from publisher
     Proof corrections to publisher
     Final sent from publisher
     Final approved

Completion

     Publisher sends completed novel portfolio to press

     Publication - copies in hand

Marketing
     Press release
     Excerpts
     Web presence

Tomorrow, I'll start to write about these steps?

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples:   http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites:  http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.