RELEASE SCHEDULE

Self-publishing is time consuming. Suddenly, simply writing the books is no longer my only job. I also have to edit, format, design book covers, write a copyright page, advertise—and peruse my books at least 100 times to be sure there are no mistakes!!

I’m sure it’s not really 100 times but it feels that way. I feel as if I almost have my books memorized at this point. But, it’s all part of the process. It was a lot harder than I imagined it would be. However, it’s all worth it in the end when you hold the finished product in your hand. I THOUGHT my books were done. I THOUGHT I was ready to publish each and every one of them. But each one is a process.

I have self-published through Create Space. (for print books) The process goes something like this: first you download the template for the trim size of your choice. Then you format your manuscript to the template. Next, you upload the manuscript to Create Space for review. If it passes review and doesn’t have any major problems, you can review it in their interior reviewer. If it looks good, then you submit it for a final review. Once this review process is done, you are ready to order a proof of your novel. Or you can proof it online with their digital proofer. I was really glad I ordered a physical proof. For example, the Sierra cover was much too light in color and needed to be darkened. I wouldn’t have known that if I hadn’t ordered a proof. Also, my first proof of Lancaster House told me I didn’t want to do a 6 x 9 trim size. Instead, I decided to go with the 5 x 8 trim size. Yes, that meant downloading the 5 x 8 template and re-formatting for that trim size. It was more work for me, but again, this is all part of the process. It takes patience. Just take your time and work through each step along the way. Eventually, you will hold your book in your hands and breathe a deep sigh of contentment over your accomplishment!! Once you’ve proofed your book, you are ready to publish!

That being said, as I work on this process with each individual book, I have a RELEASE SCHEDULE:

Lancaster House       June 2012

Sierra                        June 2012

I Have People          Sept. 2012

The Middle Aisle     Dec. 2012

Joshua’s Folly          March 2013

For Nick                  June 2013



My fabulous daughter is the one who convinced me to release on a schedule and not simply dump all my books into the public’s lap. Now, I’m especially glad for this schedule as it gives me time to perfect each book and prepare it for it’s release. Doing all of them at once would have been impossible.

And it gives me time to write another book. Something I haven’t done in a year because I’ve been too busy working on my existing books. I’m really looking forward to creating another book. In the end, it’s my favorite thing to do, and all the rest is the stuff I HAVE to do in order to be published. It’s certainly not drudgery by any means. I can’t think of any other job I’d rather be doing.

Writing is the best!

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