First drafts and editing schedules…
Greetings Readlings!
It’s already August and I’m knee deep in STUFF! As usual, I’m going to start this with ‘If you don’t follow me on social media…’ which should actually be the title of the whole blog AND my mailing list to be honest.
You see, I have recently been talking a lot about where I’m up to in my editing stages of the books I’m working on and last week/weekend I finished the FINAL draft of the next Seven Princes episode (coming soon, keep you eyes peeled), and the FIRST edit of my big YA novel which I’ll be sending to agents… I’d think next year, if my recent editing exploits have revealed anything!
Writing is a LONG game. I actually recently read a quote, and I can’t for the life of me remember who said it, and it went something along the lines of “writing is like farming, some years you tend to the crops, and other years you harvest…”
You can consider that a very rough estimation of what I read, but the message remains the same. And that’s the hardest part of this life, really.
First drafts can take anything from a month to a year. Sometimes you’re working on one book, sometimes you’re working on MANY, and then the editing phases begin.
I’m, what you might call, a middle of the road editor. I enjoy doing around 4 rounds of editing. I know some people do less, and some do more. But because of how long everything takes, not everything makes it past that first draft stage. I can’t tell you how many first drafts I have. Over 10… which makes me sad, but I enjoy knowing they’re there. Maybe one day I’ll get to dig into the archive and work on something.
For now, this is my current writing breakdown, which I like to keep popping in these posts because it gives me a good visual of where I’m up to at the very least:
First drafts
Etta Vol 3 - which I PROMISE is on the way! I’ve been battling out the plot a bit and trying to wrap up a lot of things, but it’s very close to being drafted and then edits should be quick on this one!!
Editing
NaNo 2021 novel - first draft is DONE! Now all I have to do is break is down into sections and make sure everything is balanced and flows well, as well as fix up some big plot issues and character stuff. It’s probably my biggest editing job to date but I’m looking forward to it! I also need to think of a good name for this book…
Cloud - Cloud is a short story I wrote earlier in the year. I got some feedback on it but I haven’t had a chance to go back in and edit. I will be popping it on the VIP section for my email subscribers very soon. I promise!
Publications coming SOON
Seven Princes episode 2 - I have finished the last edit. I just need to make some changes to the document and then get into formatting and go through the Amazon rigmarole, which is the worst part of any publication, but I want to get better at it so practice, practice, etc… You’ll be happy to know I have all the social imagery created. Mostly. Just need to do a cover mockup which we all know and love. But this episode is a great push into some action and the mystery behind the brothers lives! It’s so much fun!
Free stuff
In case you missed it above, I have a VIP section on this site for my email subscribers. They get access to free things like helpful guides for self publishing, and free short stories. I will be adding Cloud at some point soon and also adding the first chapter of Seven Princes of Hell: Saul as a nice teaser for anyone wanting to try it. What with the new book coming out, now is the time to meet Saul!
Sign up below!!
Sam
