Novel enters pre-production stage

With the copy edit completed yesterday, pre-production starts. Cover and interior design, then formatting for print and ebook. My work on this book is pretty much done, just approvals of designs.
Until then, I can focus on writing GKS 2 which is exciting.  However, once the first novel is done, the marketing efforts will be intense and will be time-consuming.

Research trip to California

Surfers at Steamer's Lane, Santa Cruz,  CA. Curious about what book 3 is about?

Research trip to California

Outside Maverick's surf shop in Half Moon Bay, CA.  We're near the infamous Maverick's surf area, known for 20+ ft waves in the wintertime.  

Starting to roll!

Pre-production is underway.   First on the list is cover and interior design.   I've decided on the person who will do the cover; quite the talented guy.  I have an appointment tomorrow with the director of book design to get that set up.  I'm excited!

Accepted into agent match-making program!

I heard yesterday that my editorial company has accepted my book into their program.  This means they think enough of it to help me find an agent.  Pretty exciting stuff!

However, I don't intend to wait for an agent to get me a deal.  Indie publishing has so many advantages over the traditional model.  I'm going in that direction.   It'll cost a lot up front but the royalties are so much better.  I'm thinking of a June 2014 release. 

Novel back from line-editing!

The Gatekeeper's Son came back on Monday 20,000 words lighter.   Shannon's line-edit wasn't drastic,  just little cuts here and there but what a difference.   It reads better and the action never stops!  I'm excited to do the final fixes and move on to the next step.

Wierd weather here too

I know the rest of North America is getting hit by terrible weather so this will seem trivial.  But there's ice on this river near my house.  Never seen that before.