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I say I haven’t forgotten about my book that I have written, but I have regrettably put it on the back burner this year – but it’s not to stay there for long! My intent was to go through an edit on screen, and add scenes as needed, and then make a proof copy and go through it again. However, I learned the hard way (mostly by not doing it) that proofing on screen is near impossible for me.
So I went to what I know best, and that is book publishing! I designed the book covers before I even wrote the book, so that part was easy. I ordered a proof copy and now here it is, in my hands, just waiting to be edited.
Some notes about the publishing of the book -
- I was asked why it’s spiral bound. “Because it’s cheaper?’ a friend wanted to know. No, it’s because it’s a proof book – and with the spiral bound it will lay flat so I can write in it more easily. The final book will be perfect bound (like the binding of paperbacks and hardbacks you see in the book stores.)
- It’s double spaced, also to ensure easy note-taking in the margins.
- Since I had designed so many covers, I ordered the proof book in two of my favorites to see which I like best. As of now, I think the black on brown isn’t enough contrast to catch someone’s eye in the bookstore, so I’m liking the pink one (on top).
I also ordered a proof book of Amy’s book, mostly so that I can proof it (see above about on-screen proofing.) But also to give her something in her hands!
So there you have it. I’ll let you know more when the book is finally edited and ready for you to read it (it will happen, but it will not be soon.) Also, National Novel Writing Month is a mere 2.5 months away – do you know what you will be writing about yet? (I do. Sorta.)
Colleen said on August 19th, 2009 at 11:09 am
I can’t wait to read when you’re done. I love the pink one and i’m so proud of you!
Amy said on August 19th, 2009 at 11:13 am
We still need to do an editing weekend!
Jeffrey said on August 19th, 2009 at 11:14 am
Now, if you only had to spend a long time in, say, a car, not driving, but riding, then you could really get a jump on this project. Good luck!
Crystal said on August 19th, 2009 at 11:43 am
I like the pink one
I can’t wait to read it. I love reading your blogs, I can’t imagine a whole darn book 
Kevin said on August 19th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Yeah, I can’t wait to read it either. I know your writing is good enough that I would even read a pink book. Although it will make me flashback to the days when you and Jenny used to dress me in your tutu.
Kevin´s last blog ..marathon training – week 2
Chris said on August 19th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Reading it the second time is no less satisfying than reading it the first time. Damn good job for the first go. Good luck with polishing it up!
Chris´s last blog ..Busy is the word
Jeffrey said on August 19th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Kevin, I don’t believe I would have said that.
Sweigart said on August 20th, 2009 at 7:17 am
Im with you on that Jeff… but that does explain A LOT about Kevin.
Keep it up Melissa! Can hardly wait to see it in the bookstores!
crystal said on August 20th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Yeah Andrew’s right, explains a lot. Maybe that’s why when Kieth hear’s Dancing Queen, he thinks of Kevin
Whitney said on August 20th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
I’m so impressed! And inspired! My 1st novel is just laying around on my hard drive waiting for me to finish it. My 2nd novel is so horribly put together that I’m afraid to order a proof copy.
I will however be taking your advice and ordering a proof of the first one so that I can get it going. It does have potential.
I just started a new blog for this year’s NaNo – http://nanowrimo.whitneyclaire.com. It should be an interesting NaNo year!
Can’t wait to get started!!
Melissa said on August 20th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Oh my gosh, Whitney – I can’t figure out how to comment on your new blog but SUCH an awesome idea – same plot, same characters, two independent novels.
Amy, check that post out right now. And lemme know if you want to steal, er, borrow that idea for nano!!
Amy said on August 20th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
You know, I’ve been toying with this lake idea of Mia’s. I would love to do something tandem with that. But OMG, writing another novel?!
Amy´s last blog ..She Liked It! She Really Did!
Melissa said on August 20th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
LET’S DO IT.
Jeff and Scott, send us to the Grove Park for a month so we can write.
(think it’ll work?)
Heather said on August 21st, 2009 at 1:42 pm
1. I like the pink one too.
2. Can’t wait to read it!
3. NaNoWriMo AAAAAAHHHHH! LALALALALALA If I can’t see it, it can’t see me! *hides*
Heather´s last blog ..Better Things
Whitney said on August 21st, 2009 at 2:24 pm
@Melissa – Don’t worry… there will be places to comment soon enough on the new blog. I just have a static info page up there until Christina and I make our “formal announcement.” You just got a special “Twitter BFF” preview that the rest of the world doesn’t get. And… because you’ve so inspired me, I just ordered my very own working draft copy of my 1st novel from Lulu.com too!
@Heather re: your #3… you totally cracked me up with that. My co-workers must think I’m going crazy in my cube because I couldn’t help but laugh out loud when I read that.
Cecelia said on September 3rd, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Hello! Found your blog while I was searching Google for posts about covers on the NaNo forums…
Your Covers are AMAZING!!!
Could you email me and let me know your prices for cover design?
luckygal5571 at yahoo dot com
thanks
I won! I won! I won! | Melissa, Oh? said on November 30th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
[...] Second time winning National Novel Writing Month. It is no less exciting the second time around! [...]