Publication - Manuscript even more in depth editing

10 November 2011, Publication - Manuscript even more in depth editing

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:  To see the steps in the publication process, go to my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/. 

Prepublication readers will save you.  If you don't already, you need to get some prepublication readers.  It is best to recruit people who are not enamoured with your writing.  You don't need an echo chamber.  For real editing, you need people who will tell you the truth and not blow smoke.  People like that are difficult to find.  You need to bribe them with copy--that is promise them a copy of your book and mention them in thanks in the book.  I already went over where to put those kinds of acknowledgements.

The moment you get your manuscript from you publisher, email it to your prepublication readers and give them about two weeks to get back with their comments.  You need to tell them the best way to give their comments to you.

Once you get your prepublication readers' comments back, address every single one of them.  Don't ever ignore any comment from a prepublication reader.  Even if you don't agree with a comment, you must address it.  What I mean is this.  If one of your readers indicates that they don't understand something, rewrite the scene, sentence, or paragraph to make it more understandable.  If a reader indicates that they don't agree with the action of a character--make the reasons clearer.  Show don't tell.  For example, on The Fox's Honor one of my readers said she didn't buy the Lady Tamar falling in love with Devon Rathenberg as quickly as she did.  I rewrote the novel to make her interest in Devon Rathenberg happen a little more slowly.  This was a wonderful comment and didn't require a huge rewrite. 

There is another important point about prepublication readers.  Prior to having your works accepted by a publisher, these kinds of readers will help grow your writing.  As I've written before, your prepublication readers can show you what to improve--as long as you listen to them.
 
Tomorrow, after the first round.

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/.