Update on my novel (no, I haven’t forgotten about it)

proof books

I say I haven’t forgotten about my book that I have written, but I have regrettably put it on the back burner this year – but it’s not to stay there for long! My intent was to go through an edit on screen, and add scenes as needed, and then make a proof copy and go through it again. However, I learned the hard way (mostly by not doing it) that proofing on screen is near impossible for me.

So I went to what I know best, and that is book publishing! I designed the book covers before I even wrote the book, so that part was easy. I ordered a proof copy and now here it is, in my hands, just waiting to be edited.

Some notes about the publishing of the book –

– I was asked why it’s spiral bound. “Because it’s cheaper?’ a friend wanted to know. No, it’s because it’s a proof book – and with the spiral bound it will lay flat so I can write in it more easily. The final book will be perfect bound (like the binding of paperbacks and hardbacks you see in the book stores.)

– It’s double spaced, also to ensure easy note-taking in the margins.

– Since I had designed so many covers, I ordered the proof book in two of my favorites to see which I like best. As of now, I think the black on brown isn’t enough contrast to catch someone’s eye in the bookstore, so I’m liking the pink one (on top).

I also ordered a proof book of Amy’s book, mostly so that I can proof it (see above about on-screen proofing.) But also to give her something in her hands!

So there you have it. I’ll let you know more when the book is finally edited and ready for you to read it (it will happen, but it will not be soon.) Also, National Novel Writing Month is a mere 2.5 months away – do you know what you will be writing about yet? (I do. Sorta.)


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17 responses to “Update on my novel (no, I haven’t forgotten about it)”

  1. Colleen Avatar
    Colleen

    I can’t wait to read when you’re done. I love the pink one and i’m so proud of you! 🙂

  2. Amy Avatar

    We still need to do an editing weekend!

  3. Jeffrey Avatar

    Now, if you only had to spend a long time in, say, a car, not driving, but riding, then you could really get a jump on this project. Good luck!

  4. Crystal Avatar
    Crystal

    I like the pink one 🙂 I can’t wait to read it. I love reading your blogs, I can’t imagine a whole darn book 🙂

  5. Kevin Avatar

    Yeah, I can’t wait to read it either. I know your writing is good enough that I would even read a pink book. Although it will make me flashback to the days when you and Jenny used to dress me in your tutu.
    .-= Kevin´s last blog ..marathon training – week 2 =-.

  6. Chris Avatar

    Reading it the second time is no less satisfying than reading it the first time. Damn good job for the first go. Good luck with polishing it up!
    .-= Chris´s last blog ..Busy is the word =-.

  7. Jeffrey Avatar

    Kevin, I don’t believe I would have said that.

  8. Sweigart Avatar
    Sweigart

    Im with you on that Jeff… but that does explain A LOT about Kevin.
    Keep it up Melissa! Can hardly wait to see it in the bookstores!

  9. crystal Avatar
    crystal

    Yeah Andrew’s right, explains a lot. Maybe that’s why when Kieth hear’s Dancing Queen, he thinks of Kevin 🙂

  10. Whitney Avatar

    I’m so impressed! And inspired! My 1st novel is just laying around on my hard drive waiting for me to finish it. My 2nd novel is so horribly put together that I’m afraid to order a proof copy.

    I will however be taking your advice and ordering a proof of the first one so that I can get it going. It does have potential.

    I just started a new blog for this year’s NaNo – http://nanowrimo.whitneyclaire.com. It should be an interesting NaNo year! 🙂 Can’t wait to get started!!

  11. Melissa Avatar

    Oh my gosh, Whitney – I can’t figure out how to comment on your new blog but SUCH an awesome idea – same plot, same characters, two independent novels.

    Amy, check that post out right now. And lemme know if you want to steal, er, borrow that idea for nano!! 😀

  12. Amy Avatar

    You know, I’ve been toying with this lake idea of Mia’s. I would love to do something tandem with that. But OMG, writing another novel?!
    .-= Amy´s last blog ..She Liked It! She Really Did! =-.

  13. Melissa Avatar

    LET’S DO IT.

    Jeff and Scott, send us to the Grove Park for a month so we can write.

    (think it’ll work?)

  14. Heather Avatar

    1. I like the pink one too.
    2. Can’t wait to read it!
    3. NaNoWriMo AAAAAAHHHHH! LALALALALALA If I can’t see it, it can’t see me! *hides*
    .-= Heather´s last blog ..Better Things =-.

  15. Whitney Avatar

    @Melissa – Don’t worry… there will be places to comment soon enough on the new blog. I just have a static info page up there until Christina and I make our “formal announcement.” You just got a special “Twitter BFF” preview that the rest of the world doesn’t get. And… because you’ve so inspired me, I just ordered my very own working draft copy of my 1st novel from Lulu.com too! 🙂

    @Heather re: your #3… you totally cracked me up with that. My co-workers must think I’m going crazy in my cube because I couldn’t help but laugh out loud when I read that.

  16. Cecelia Avatar
    Cecelia

    Hello! Found your blog while I was searching Google for posts about covers on the NaNo forums…

    Your Covers are AMAZING!!!
    Could you email me and let me know your prices for cover design?
    luckygal5571 at yahoo dot com

    thanks

  17. […] Second time winning National Novel Writing Month. It is no less exciting the second time around! […]