Writing, Rewriting, and Editing

I know it has been two weeks since I posted here and I apologize. Many of my writer friends blog two and three times a week, and I envy them. Apparently they are more focused on a schedule than I am, but somehow I seem to be busy all the time. Most of my time lately has been directed toward  completing my second book, My Love Affair with Sicily.

So the good news is that I have finished writing the book and it is near the final editing stage. I say near, because this process is painstakingly slow, and has to be repeated several times. My editor is currently reviewing the last half of my completed manuscript, after I have already carefully finished the rewrite of each chapter.  She tells me it is looking much better, and that there are only some minor adjustments, so I am pleased. Yet, after this process, I will still have to make the necessary changes. Then I must format the final file in order to upload it to CreateSpace, since I am self-publishing, just as I did with my first book.

I spent two days creating my cover, since the resolution and size requirements are very specific. I am happy I was able to use one of my photographs that I took in  Siracusa and am pleased with the final result. I hope my readers will be too.

Once I submit  the finished interior file as well as the cover, I will be able to order two galley proofs within a few days. One is for me and one is for my editor. Each of us will once more review the entire book to check for any typos, formatting issues, or other problems. Once that process is complete, my book will be for sale.

I almost feel as though I am in Italy, since these procedures take so long, but the end result will be worth it. I had hoped to publish this book in early spring, preferably this month. It seems more likely that now it will not be a reality until the end of next month. My editor has a life too; although she is is dedicated to working on my book every day,  she has a family as well as other important things happening in her life as well. Patience is the name of the game, and for any writers who hope to self-publish I cannot stress this enough. Yes the editing and rewriting process can be very  frustrating but a necessary part of authoring a book.

 I will definitely let you know when My Love Affair with Sicily launches. I plan to publish it as an eBook as well as a paperback. It will be available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble and other bookstores of course. In addition, I will let you know how you can order a signed copy if you like. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, enjoy a few scenes from Sicily!

Isola Bella in Taormina

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