The Animal in Man is done. I can hardly believe it. No one doubted that this day would ever actually arrive more than me, I assure you. After months of what I called Radio Silence, I’m back - fingers trembling - to send out this reader update.
So what happens now? Well, I’ve sent all 350+ pages to Inkshares just an hour ago, and from there they’ll put together my production timeline and all the other wonderful things they provide. I’ll collaborate with them to nail down some ideas for the final cover design. In the months that follow there will be edits… load upon load of edits. The more meticulous work, you see, is really just starting.
I’ve never finished a project this massive in all my life, and yet, it’s not entirely finished. Still, I can’t contain my excitement. This is a turning point for me, and I couldn’t have done it without all the follows, all the interest (all the pre-orders!) for The Animal in Man. I just wanted to thank you all for your continued support. You’ll be hearing from me on the reg from now on!
(“Natural Collapse” - Design by Diogo Hornburg via threadless.com)
Okay, ladies and gentle men, time for an update on all things Ghost-y.
You may have noticed last time I said a thing about having the book done and submitted by the end of July. Well, that didn’t happen, but there are reasons, some good, some less so. Let’s begin.
I was talking to Inkshares around the time of the last update and mentioned my intention to submit at the end of July. Inkshares have a lot on their plate at the moment with a bunch of books in production and some behind the scenes changes, and they felt it would be in the best interests for my book if I took a bit more time to work on things, and not rush it so that when it came time to submit they could give it the appropriate attention.
So what this essentially means is the book is about 95% certain to not be coming out in 2016 which, while disappointing, is best for the books future. Rest assured though, it will be coming as soon as humanly possible in 2017.
One side effect of this "take your time" directive was that my brain went into "oh you can put this off for a while" mode (among many other unhelpful modes)...and here we are: three months later and no finished draft.
This is a problem. For me. For you. For Inkshares.
It is not, however, a problem without a solution and that solutions name is accountability. It’s all well and good to give myself deadlines, but if I’m the only one I’m beholden to, then I tend to fall between the cracks. So I figure having near on 400 people on my case should be a good motivator.
So, starting next Friday I’ll be sending out weekly updates that will include the daily word totals for the previous week. They’ll continue until the first draft is done (which is close mind you) and then I’ll reassess the schedule as things head into beta reading and revisions and such.
Current Stats
Word Count: 94,203
Chapters Finished: 27 of 32
What’s Left: 23, 26 & 30 need to be finished and I have yet to start on 31 & 32 (though they are fully outlined)
Estimated Final Word Count: somewhere around 110,000
I’ll see you all next week.
Dearest Readers and Miscellaneous Followers,
Today Fae Child rocketed past 60 books preordered (many thanks to those who ordered today!), and so the first phase of my adorable fantasy creature giveaway has kicked into gear. I entered the numbers into a random draw, and ORDER 53 was picked. Danika Kenn! I have already been in contact with her, and she picked the cute green dragon. He will be getting some hugs for the road and then being shipped out this weekend. Congrats Danika, and thank you for your support!
This leaves the PINK DRAGON and the ALMOST-TOO-HAPPY UNICORN as the giveaways for orders 61-70 and 71-80.
Don’t miss out! Preorder today!
~ Jane-Holly
