Well, it’s closer – it’s a LOT closer.
I’ve written nearly 70,000 words and started the process of self-editing. I’ve also commissioned a cover from my illustrator Isis Sousa. Here are her early sketches:-
So what now? What is the rest of my process for making it ‘ready’ ?
Well, I use software to help edit for localisation. I use the same software to edit for consistency, word-overuse, writing style, grammar and spelling.
Once I’ve done all that and I’m happy with it – I read the whole thing out-loud and listen to a computer text-to-speech of it to pick up problems I’ve missed.
Then, it goes to a beta-reader / Draft editor, then if goes to a proof-reader.
After I’ve implemented all their suggested changes I agree with I go back and start again. I repeat the process several times until I’m happy with it.
I also still need to write out two major events. However I want to start the polishing process now so there’s less of a mountain of editing to do at the end.
Interestingly I’ve recently read a few interesting articles on writing fantasy and thought I’d share.
If you want to write fantasy, these are all worth a read. On self-publishing, I don’t agree that you SHOULDN’T self-publish, but that if you do you should put as much effort as a publishing house into perfecting your book! I wish I’d done this when I started out. I published far too early and paid a price in having to release updated versions! Be 100% sure it’s as good as you can get it before you release and DO NOT rely on self-editing alone!