The Next 9 Months are Going to be a Doozy!

Read Book Update #3, first

As I mentioned in my last update I did it! I signed with a publishing company! Whoooohoooooo!!!!

I also mentioned I would share what my timeline looks like to publish my book by the end of May 2020. Keep in mind, there are a lot of moving parts and variables, so this schedule is tentative and could shift a few times.

Tentative Timeline:

1) Developmental edits began on September 5th. This meant my edits needed to be completed to the best of my ability, the individual chapter documents needed to be combined into one full document (aka manuscript) and sent off to Wise Ink. (I made my deadline despite hurricane Dorian’s interference!)

2) Julie diligently works on making developmental edit changes in the month of October. The type of edits that can be suggested during this phase includes:

improving the content,
changing the structure of the book,
making sure style and design are the same throughout the book and more.

3) Copyediting begins early November. Copyediting includes reading the book cover-to-cover to find:

grammar,
spelling,
style, and
punctuation issues as well as
improving readability and making sure the book is free of errors.

4) Cover design could being early-mid November. This process includes reviewing designer portfolios to find a style I like, speaking with the designer so they can get a feel for my book and me, and receiving 3 design options. From the 3 designs, I will provide input on what I like about the different options to create the final cover.

5) Copy edits will be returned to me at the beginning of December and I will have a month to review them and make all the changes. This process is a great way for me to learn to become a better writer, too!

6) Interior Design will begin in January which includes the back cover, table of contents, font, layout, design, and probably more that I don’t know, yet.

7) First Proof will arrive at the beginning of February. This is an exciting and busy phase. Exciting to get to see my entire book come together in one manuscript. Busy because this is the final time to catch errors and make sure the book reads well. I will need ambassadors to read my book while looking for errors and providing data back to me within a little over a week. This is also the stage where I will send the manuscript to specific individuals asking for their endorsement of my book.

8) Final Proof will arrive at the beginning of March and the final approval needs to be stamped off by me and sent to press.

9) Book goes to Press in the middle of March and at the same time, I will work on my book launch. The book launch is where I share – through my blog, on social media and with fabulous people on my newsletter lists – a variety of stories and information to garner attention, excitement, and anticipation of my book coming out in May 2020.

10) Book delivery date is in the first half of May. This means the printed book will be delivered to me to hold in my hands and cry tears of joy!

11) Book release date is the day it is released for sale. Readers may be able to purchase it on my website, through Amazon and Barnes and Noble and maybe other places, too. All is TBD.

12) Book Launch Parties – yes that is plural! I plan to have a party in Florida as well as Minnesota. This will likely be at the end of May /beginning of June. Dates and locations are all TBD.

There are for sure a lot of moving parts, and the next 9 months of my life will be focused on bringing this beautiful book into the world.

My personal goal is to stay diligent, keep focused, and do my best to keep my deadlines. In order to do that I’ve blocked time on my calendar and will need to say “No” to events that will distract me and take me from my focus (except I will be including lots of FUN time in my schedule to support myself during this process!)

Read Book Update #5 to find out what developmental edits include, and how I made my first major manuscript deadline despite hurricane Dorian interfering!