Editing, Book Covers, and the Road to Publication

It’s been 20 days since I finally got to say the words I’ve been waiting years to write: my novel is finished! At least, the first version of it is.

The manuscript clocks in at nearly 480 pages, and while typing ‘The End’ felt incredible (yes, I actually typed it) finishing the “first” draft turned out to be just the beginning. I say “first” because there were hundreds of minor and major edits along the way. Now I’m knee-deep in editing, and let me tell you, it’s a whole different beast. Cutting, reshaping, tightening sentences, second-guessing entire chapters… it’s exciting (like seeing the finish line and convincing yourself you can make it), but also equally exhausting. Every Character, plot point and detail demands attention, and when you multiply that by almost 500 pages, you start to realize how much work really goes into making a book ready for readers.

On top of the editing, I’m diving into the world of self-publishing. It’s thrilling and terrifying all at once. Designing a cover that captures the spirit of the story, learning the ins and outs of formatting, figuring out ISBNs, printing options, and e-book platforms, it feels like I’m learning an entirely new and foreign career. If all goes well hopefully I am.. And then there’s the question of marketing. How do I get this book, my book, into the hands of people who might love it? Timing is everything, and right now I’m working to map out the best path forward. In my mind that means being completely done before Thanksgiving, to make the Christmas Rush.

But even with the challenges, I wouldn’t trade this for anything. Every late night of editing, every note scribbled in the margins, every design draft brings me one step closer to holding the finished book in my hands, and, more importantly, sharing it with you.

I’ll be sharing updates as the process unfolds: sneak peeks of the cover, progress reports on editing, and eventually, a release date. Thank you for being here on this journey with me, the hardest part is also the most exciting, and I can’t wait for you to finally step into the world I’ve been building all this time.