Another Step Done

Note: Several readers who have entered this week’s drawing have reported that they are getting e-mail notices every time somebody else enters. At the bottom of the drawing page, just above the Submit Comment tab, there is a box that they apparently checked that says Notify Me Of New Comments. If this happens to you, you should be able to go back to your entry comment and click Edit Comment and then uncheck that box.

Terry has finished the first editing and proofreading stage of Big Lake Drunk, and it’s now in the hands of Roberta and Judy, my other two proofreaders. As soon as they get it back to me and I make their changes, I will print the entire manuscript out for Terry to go through once more. While she is doing that, I will write the teaser chapter for the next book. Usually, there aren’t too many typos that have slipped past everybody, and once I correct any Terry does find, I will add that teaser chapter for the next book in the series to go at the end of this one. Then I will format the e-book and get it uploaded to Amazon’s Kindle bookstore. And once that’s done, I plan to take a big breath and then relax for at least ten minutes!

As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into bringing a new book out, even once it’s written. But I’ll be far from done once I hit the Publish button. That’s when the real work begins. I’ll be busy sending out my free author’s newsletter, promoting the new title on social media and in online authors and readers groups, e-mailing notices to book blogs, and a dozen other things. And then, I have to get the print edition formatted, have the full print cover designed, and get it uploaded. The fun never stops. 😊

So what’s next on the agenda? I plan to start working on A Changing World, the fifth book in my Tinder Street historical family saga. But that won’t be until after the holidays. We have something big pending, but I am holding off on announcing it until after all the contracts are signed and I am sure it’s a done deal. It may delay the start of the new book, but it will be worth it.

Today is your last chance to enter our Free Drawing for a Kindle Paperwhite e-book reader with a 6.8” display, adjustable warm light, up to 10 weeks of battery life, and 20% faster page turns than previous models. You are going to love this or make somebody on your Christmas shopping list very happy.

To enter, click on this Free Drawing link or the tab at the top of this page and enter your name (first and last) in the comments section at the bottom of that page (not this one). Only one entry per person per drawing please, and you must enter with your real name. To prevent spam or multiple entries, the names of cartoon or movie characters are not allowed. The winner will be drawn this evening. Note: Due to the high shipping cost of printed books and Amazon restrictions on e-books and audiobooks to foreign countries, only entries with US addresses and e-mail addresses are allowed.

Thought For The Day – Smiling doesn’t always mean you’re happy. Sometimes it just means you’re strong.