I'm pleased to say that the manuscript for Pike's Progress, the third book in the Sandy Pike series, is now written and in the hands of my editor. Sadly, that does not mean the book is finished. There is more to the publishing of a book than just the writing, I have learned.
My editor will review it and suggest changes. Generally, these changes are minor. There's always the chance he discovers a larger problem, though, that would need significant revising. I hope that's not the case, but that's why I have an editor.
Cover design is another step. The cover artists I have used for the Pike books have been very good at adapting my concepts but they move in their own time. I'm not the only project they have. Once they get started, it's usually pretty quick, but waiting for them to get to me is always a test of my patience.
Finally, once I have a front cover design and the book has been edited, I will send it for pre-publication reviews. These, we hope, will be the source of enticing nuggets (blurbs, as they are known) that I can use on amazon and the back cover of the paperback and hardcover versions to convince people to buy and read the book.
What this all means is that the publication of the book will be mid-May at the earliest, and more likely, toward the end of the month. While that might be disappointing, at least these final processes have begun, now that the writing is complete (as long as my editor agrees). I am as eager and excited to get these things done as anyone.
After this, I turn my attention to the next book in the FitzDuncan series. There are other concepts I have been noodling as well. The one that has the most meat on its bones is a prequel to the Halberd series that covers the formation of the Commonwealth and its early years.
As always, I appreciate your readership, your interest and your support. I enjoy writing these books and having interested readers provides extra motivation. Until the next time,
JS
