I was never one of those kids who wanted to join the circus, but it might’ve benefited me to learn to juggle—as an author, it’s an essential skill. The image of the solitary writer doing nothing but typing stories is a misnomer. There’s a whole clown car of other things an author must do after being shot out of the cannon into the publishing world. Take my recent and upcoming calendar as an example.
The day after turning in Book 2 to my publisher, I received ‘first pass’ pages for Book 1. We’d already corrected errors during the copyedit stage, but we have to do it again now that the manuscript looks as it will in book form. Added to this, my editor and I belatedly decided to include the recipes for the cheesy dishes my main character whips up throughout the book. So I have three balls in the air due in a matter of weeks:
Reading over Book 1 with a fine-tooth comb to check again for errors.
Putting recipes together.
Writing the acknowledgments and dedication pages.
Since Book 1 will come out this spring, I must gear up for its launch. The months before and after a book launch often include writing guest blogs, conducting interviews, sending out Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) for reviews, and attending book signings and conferences. But remember Book 2 that I submitted to my publisher? My editor will have had time to make suggestions for revisions, so now the juggling balls will consist of:
Doing pre-launch marketing for Book 1.
Revising Book 2.
Starting Book 3.
Yes, I have a third book on contract whose deadline is very near my first book’s March 29th launch date. So over the first six months of 2022, my three-ring circus will be in full swing, as I:
Pre-launch Book 1, write Book 3, read/edit the copyedited version of Book 2.
Launch Book 1, complete Book 3, edit first pass pages for Book 2.
Market Book 1 post-launch, make editor revisions for Book 3, pre-launch Book 2.
You get the idea. It’s a highwire juggling act, and I hope I don’t drop any of the balls.
What are you juggling at the moment?
I love the clown car metaphor. Perfect--and the illustration--epic. You are one busy lady!
ReplyDeleteRight now I'm formatting two books that I've recently received my rights to for indie pub, I have the third written and need to edit it. I'm waiting to hear about the first of a new series from a small press, and I'm writing the second.
Two books in progress, a third in mind, and I've just finished a month revising and resubmitting short stories.
ReplyDeleteJuggling is the perfect definition once one starts writing.
ReplyDeleteI get dizzy just thinking about your schedule and the contortions you must be experiencing every day! Successfully, no less.
ReplyDeleteI hope it all goes well & your books meet with outstanding success.
First round of edits for a novel just finished. 12 days to deadline on the next manuscript. Running two races simultaneously.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Debra. You are one busy lady, and this crazy balancing act sounds exhausting.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like all of us are busy with our own circus act! Best of luck to all of you. We wouldn't do it if we didn't love it!
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