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Ever wonder how much time it takes to publish a novel?
I am learning that it takes a long, long time.
The editing process is more drawn out and detailed than I ever imagined. The editors go through the manuscript and write up all of their comments and suggestions for changes. After 2-3 months I get the book back and then it’s my turn.
I wish it was as simple as spell check and one-click corrections. Actually, if one little color, name, or detail is changed it could potentially require changing the entire book leading up to that one moment in printed time. It all has to be cohesive, one detail leading to another leading to a story that flows and builds naturally. I have needed to re-create characters and places, re-design rules that made this fictional timeline make more sense and study up on Hebrew and Greek to make sure everything is Biblically accurate and makes sense logically.
My novel is set within a fall backdrop and that means I really want to release it on October 1st. If I can’t produce it by then, it would make the most sense to wait until next fall…
This project is more than a passion; it is everything I have been working toward. Every life experience and memory and gift working together to bring this project to life. It is my heart and soul, my faith in God in a tangible form- a sign of His wonder and glory and grace that I can pick up and hand to someone.
This is why I am calling on my community of friends and prayer warriors.
The editing process has stalled due to some red tape we are waiting on. I would appreciate your prayers for favor and open doors! The Lord is really asking me to flex my trust muscles as I anxiously wait to get back to work. I would also appreciate your prayers for me to have supernatural strength and energy to finish well. I feel such an urgency to complete this in the year 2023 and in order to do that I see many sleepless nights ahead in order to make up for the several weeks that have been lost.
On a different note, I am happy to report that other HUGE strides are being made. I am currently making plans for a fundraising event this August to help me pay off my contract and cover final publishing costs. I am also working with a dear friend on designing my very own website (coming soon).
In addition to that, I have begun working with a talented photographer to design the cover of this book. The pictures have been taken and he is getting to work on editing. Here are a few images to give you a little taste of what we are cooking up!
The photo we choose will be edited in a similar fashion to the book cover below. My image will be used as the silhouette and then other elements will be added to give it that fiction fantasy feel.
Pretty fun right? So things may feel like they are moving as slow as molasses to me now, but when I sit back to write this post I am in total awe of what God has done to make this a project beyond anything I could have done alone. Every step of the way He provides the experts I need to make this a quality product that I can be proud of.
Thank you for the love and prayers. I am continuously amazed by the community of people that are making this book possible.
Photo shoots are fun, love the concept. Praying for all involved and that lives will be impacted for God’s glory. Looking forward to reading it.
I am so looking forward to reading your book and I know this slow down in the editing process is terribly frustrating. Don’t forget that God is working everything for good and His timing is always perfect. Try to relax and enjoy all the other details of this book writing process while you wait for the book to return from the editor. Praying that God will give you strength, endurance, and wisdom for the months ahead and that the finished product will bring Him so much glory. Love and hugs, Momma