9/27/17

Good morning.

There are now officially less than two weeks remaining in the Inkshares piece of the 2017 Launchpad Competition. “The Devil You Don’t” is hanging out in 5th place right now with just under 40 readers, so getting into the Top 3 is a reachable goal, but I definitely need to start seeing those pre-orders ramp up.

To my official readers, I can’t say this enough but: THANK YOU for supporting Devil on this little adventure. Please keep sharing your enthusiasm for The Devil You Don’t with your friends, relatives, dog sitters, and UPS dudes (pretty much anyone you know who likes to read). Every pre-order counts, and personal recommendations really carry a lot of weight with potential readers.

All of you awesome folks who are following my progress in Launchpad, thanks to you as well. Please consider pre-ordering a copy before the 10/10 deadline. (https://www.inkshares.com/books/the-devil-you-don-t)

Don’t forget: when we reach 50 readers, that will trigger my first raffle. Two prizes will be raffled off: a signed copy of Darkstar Rising (my first novel) and an Amazon gift card.

And here’s a little tidbit you might not know about my main character, Mara Dullahan. I created her name from two different Irish legends. The Mara (or Mare) is a demon that causes bad dreams, and a Dullahan is Ireland’s version of the Headless Horseman. This headless rider (usually on a black horse) carries his or her own head under an arm. While typically male there are some female versions of the Dullahan, and the mouth on the head is typically a gruesome grin that touches both sides of the head.

Personally, I think my Mara is much more attractive than that, but it was important to me that there be some darker meaning behind her name given that she is a devil.

With the clock starting to count down, I’ll update again soon. In the meantime...

Best,

Susan

Autumn is here, and the cogs are steadily turning...

.

In my last update, I explained that the developmental editor and I were working on the rewrite 100 pages at a time. He edits one section while I rewrite the next... Well, I am pleased to report that I am roughly half-way through with the third and final segment. I hope to have that turned over in about two weeks. I’ve combed through and rewritten all of the existing text, and am now drafting a brand spanking new ending that will get the blood pumping a bit more than the original.

There will be at least one more round of developmental edits as I address the notes that Matt makes on the new draft. Each run-through should be swifter than the previous. After that, we move on to copy editing, then proofreading, then ARC printing and marketing. Cover design will take place alongside the final steps.

I am crossing my fingers that an estimated release date will be assigned once we have an idea of how long the rest of the developmental edit will take. My best guess is Summer ’18 (based on the trajectory of other books further along in the production process). If the last two months are any indication, I will be hard at work until the last minute (and after). As always, thank you for your support.

Until next time,

-Jacqui

Quick update, Faoii! Listen up!

Those of you that pre-ordered e-books should have them in your inboxes. Today I saw a screenshot of my name on a Kindle and it was one of the most surreal feelings I’ve ever had. I have YOU to thank for that. Thank you, Faoii.

I also really REALLY need some help before next Wednesday. I’m doing my first-ever reading and would LOVE to know what passages or scenes stuck with you. What would YOU like to hear out loud (I’ll even try to record the readings for those of you who can’t be at the launch party). 

That’s it for now! But don’t worry-- I’ll be contacting you next week when Amazon opens up for reviews. The next wave is coming, Faoii. We will be ready for it. A year from now everyone will know of us. ;)

Shields up
Faoii-Tahani

Finally, I know--News From the Realm! Cue the flying pigs.

Developmental Edits Under Way!

• And that’s it, that’s the real story. I’m working with a fabulous professional editor who got a lot of books sold and careers under way in New York. We met and I have the first returns back from her regarding my manuscript. 

• I feared the worst, but her changes are not monumental. In fact, she said some incredibly inspirational things that were very humbling about the overall story--particularly the world building, but I’ll leave it at that, because...

• I do have a major rewrite to complete as my narrator and point of view need to change. If it sounds horrific and difficult, it’s not, just a bit of time needed to complete. I’ll explain later, but it was the right call. I will also write an epic, slightly depressing post one day about how many drafts this story has gone through, but not until we have a polished manuscript. ;-)

So I have great momentum, yes? Yes! So things will speed up? Ha! says life. We’re expecting our second child, I’m ramping up a new job, yadda, yadda, yadda. Seriously, if any of you are getting ancy, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m actually still ahead of the usual time to publish by about 6 months to a year. Pretty crazy, right? 

The good news is Inkshares is starting to crank out projects that are ready. So once the professional edit is complete, we have options. That’s when you won’t be able to get me to shut up. But until then, I appreciate your continued support and good mojo. 

Stay well,

Kevin