Regular readers will know that I’m writing a book. I’ve been droning on about it for the better part of a year. It’s titled ‘The Kirkwood Scott Chronicles – Skelly’s Square’ and is the first part of Young Adult fantasy series based in Belfast. The hero of the piece is very loosely based on yours truly in his 20’s, except cooler and braver. Plus he talks to girls and battles supernatural beings. I don’t recall doing any of that either.
I’m now about a third of the way through the latest edit. Beta readers have been selected and I’m bracing myself for the first raft of feedback. Fionnuala is reading and formatting the draft as I go along and loves it. I have also allowed a good friend to have a look at it and, again the feedback has been very positive. But then you would expect them to say that. They have a personal connection with me.
Waiting for beta feedback is like waiting for exam results. You start off fairly confident but as time passes the voice in your head sows seeds of self-doubt. This snowballs into a Gordian knot of worry and anxiety. It is out of my hands, however. All I can do is chip away at the edit and hope that people like it when it finally sees the light of day. If nothing else, I will have fulfilled the lifelong ambition of writing a novel.
This edit has encouraged me though as, for the first time, the story has a fluidity and structure that was previously lacking. I’m equally pleased with the depth of, and interaction between, the characters. I’ve put a lot of thought into the development and I hope this comes across in the characters of Kirkwood Scott, Meredith Starc and Augustus Skelly. Minor characters have been fun to write as well.
I have decided to start off down the traditional publishing route. I know it’s a long shot but, if nothing else, it will provide me with experience of the process and provide some much needed skin toughening. Rejection letters are part of the experience and I will just have to get used to that. I’m already beginning to think about query letters, book synopsis and sample chapters in addition to ways I can broaden my social media presence.
People say that the real work only starts when the novel is written and I am starting to appreciate that now. I’m researching books on the publishing process and the work expected of a first time author in respect of marketing and self-promotion is immense. I’m learning all the time but it is a very steep learning curve. Reading posts from fellow bloggers on a similar journey also helps.
Beta Readers. Critique Partners. Editors. Agents. Publishers. The list is endless. So I’m reaching out to you today, my fellow WordPressers. If you can offer advice or guidance regarding any of the topics I’ve touched upon above then feel free to contact me and let’s talk. Likewise, if anyone can point me in the direction of any useful people in the industry then I’d love to hear from you.
This has been a bit of a rambling post today but I really wanted to update you and thank you for all the support you send my way on a daily basis. I’d also appreciate prayers from those of you with a faith. I know my own faltering faith has been greatly bolstered in recent times by a number of you whose prayers and Christian wisdom have been of great comfort to me. Hope you all have a wonderful day ahead.
Black Thoughts 
It’s good that you have the support of your faith and wife. This business is beyond tough and I used to be in theater. In comparison, writing is much more difficult, but unlike the craft of acting, when the work is over and done, it can be immensely gratifying. Doubt is good when you don’t let it cripple your dream. Get ready for marketing way ahead of time. Like a year or three. Plot the course and your follow up books. Unless you’re lucky, be prepared to get lost in the 1 million ebooks a year. Every writer is talking about it. The saying goes in digital publishing that you’ll need at least 6 books in the backlist. Even if you can get an agent and publisher, you’ll still need to do all that marketing. Other commenters may differ, but from all I’ve heard and read, YA starts just after the tween years and goes until 20. Study your market, because your story sounds like it might be more in the New Adult range. I could be wrong, since it isn’t my genre. Best of luck and don’t ever give up.
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Thank you. This is all sounds very daunting but I will do my best.
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Super proud of you bro! Your writing style and use of language are superb- seriously! There’s no doubt you have a gift and talent. Keep the glass half full and be proud of what you’ve achieved! People talk about writing novels- you’ve actually done it! 🎉 Drew would be so interested in all of this and would be so proud of you! ❤️
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Thank you. I hope he would. Now get back to your packing 😂
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You’re writing always inspires a story out of me. You reminded me of the time I forgot to log out of the narcotic machine and someone came behind me and stole 19 vials of morphine. Because you have to badge into the room, they knew who came in behind me. However I had to be drug tested and sent home in a cab. I knew it would be negative because I rarely drink and drugs are stupid. However it took 4 days for the results and by the end I was convinced the DEA was going to show up at my door because I had revealed a drug ring. Nope it was just another nurse who somehow got out of everything with state board of nursing besides testing positive for marajuana. She no longer works at my hospital which is a good thing because I couldn’t decide if I should punch her in the face or pray for her!
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You could punch her in the face and then pray for her? Or possibly vice versa 😂
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Hope you get some good feedback from your beta readers 🙂
I did a couple of weeks work experience in publishing, and that publishing house (Penguin) required all authors to have an agent submit on their behalf. Not always true of smaller publishers, but definitely needed for the top 5!
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Yes I’ve heard that. I’m going to try and acquire an agent. Thanks for the advice 🙂
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I have faith that this book will get published! You are a fantastic writer!
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Thanks Leigh! It’s crazy here. Aaaaargggh! Got to mail your letter 🙄
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Like waiting for exam results? Don’t you worry, don’t you fret … you’re A** so far …. x
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Have you read some of it? I’m been panicking everyone hates it😐
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Silly Billy! I’m reading a couple of chapters a day when I’m left in peace. I love it as I knew I would. I want to read the chapters you’ve given me and then read it again. Don’t panic …. I’m in heaven reading it!
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You’ve made my day. Thank you so much 😊
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Silly old goose for worrying! X
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Are you fully recovered from your exertions yet? I hope you’re writing ✍🏻
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I am recovered – took a few days I have to admit! Am writing and collating all the notes I made … crikey there are a lot but that’s good, easier to delete the rubbish than create more! And what of you?
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Hi Lovely. I enjoyed reading your post because Im at the same place with my first book also. In the midst of writing a novel for 20years 😓 Ive written another shorter book for my business. I wrote it because I found myself repeating the same principles of faith and wellness over and over that my clients have just not yet managed to grasp in their faith walk. Now that the writing is complete and like you I’ve had very positive feedback from friends I’m awaiting the first response from a Beta editor too! The process is tougher than I expected and if you eventually choose to self-publish as I have (because it’s for my business) there are a lot of rip off merchants out there. Im actually going Indie route through Ingramspark. Its more work for me but that means more learning along the way but I’ve looked at traditional to learn about synopsis and camparitive reports etc (more forward thinking for my novel) my advice in faith is not to rush any of it. Let God guide the pace (which is so hard when you’re so close and so excited!) There is the potential for regrets if we rush and get out if rhythm with His guidance. And second is to trust Him with it. Seek His voice deep within. Congratulations on a wonderful accomplishment so far! Id appreciate your prayers also… Many Blessings & prayers Claire Marie B xx
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Thank you very much. I hope your book is a success. You seem to have put a lot of work into it. It is hard to be patient and the amount of work involved is frightening. Harder still when you have a full time job and family commitments.
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Thank you and yes Very true…. especially when you’re an bumbling entrepreneur and work elsewhere and have family! Its too easy to burn out…Thats why I’m sticking with our mighty Father who covers our inadequacies! Hope the book skyrockets you to your dreams 🙏💜
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Good luck with the publishing. I failed with the big publishers, found and loved some small ones (but they folded – small publishers, small teams, small budgets… big dreams), so now I’m heading for Ingramspark. It’s a journey.
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I’ve never heard of Ingramspark. I hope it’s a big success for you 🙂
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This mother of young men can’t wait to get them a book set in their home city! Keep going! A former head of department of mine has her book launch in the American Bar in Belfast on 7th September- you could go along and pick her brains!
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That’s great. It’s good to hear that books are being launched. That’s encouraging. Thank you.
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Well done!!! I totally hear you on a waiting feedback. I get excited when I send out new chapters but then immediate dread settles in. But I am also thankful for the critique that is a little harder to hear because if one reader feels a certain way it is possible some others may as well. However, it is good to compare your majority as well. One reader may struggle with something and the rest are fine. We are all flawed and that will be seen with readers too. But see if there is any insight to take away even from the minority. Critiques can really help strengthen the story.
Yes the publication process!! It is nerve wracking! I hope you receive secret info that possibly could be shared.
Keep going strong! I have reached ch. 10 of my book!!! It is starting to get real.
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Thank you. That’s brilliant. How many chapters are there going to be?
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I’m not sure. On average, my past novels had about 20-25 chapters but I feel the books maybe longer. I’m not quite through the first 25% of the book however.
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It sounds like you’re on the right track, whichever one you choose. All the best! I have no doubt you’ll do just fine. 🙂
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Thank you 😊
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The real meat of the project does seem to be in editing and rewriting. It’s crazy to me how even in the generally short pieces I write, how much I find to edit when I go back and re-read after a day or so.
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I agree. Which is why I’m so pleased you are reading the book as your editing skills will be invaluable.
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Greetings from the middle of the USA. I have no experience publishing whatsoever, so I have no advice to give on getting your novel published. However, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your writing. If your novel reads anything like your blog posts, I have no doubt it will be a great success! And thanks for stopping by my blog the other day. Glad you liked the post!
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Thanks very much Mike. Your opinion means as much to me as the most distinguished publisher. Keep up the good work yourself.
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Hi. I learned pretty quickly not to concern myself about rejection letters. They are simply a number, albeit an occasionally depressing number. This is because you can’t believe a word they say – apart from No, that is. Even if your name’s at the top (it usually is) and it looks personalised, it’s a mix of those and Copy and Paste. Hey ho.
Good luck trying to find an agent and, yes, crack on with the marketing.
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Thank you very much. I look forward to my first (dozen) rejection letters 🙂
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There will always be someone who doesn’t like your book, it’s inevitable, so don’t let that discourage you or intimidate you from finishing it. I find that the stories with unique ideas are the most fun to read, and the elements in yours definitely sound interesting. It can be hard receiving criticism or feedback, but most readers genuinely want to help improve your work, so consider the feedback carefully and try not to take it personally if someone rails against a passage. Best of luck completing your novel. I would love to read it and review it on my blog mjpankey.com when it’s complete!
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Thank you very much. I’ll hold you to that. The book is being professionally edited at present and the plan is to start querying averages in the New Year. If there is no interest I’ll probably then go down the self publishing route.
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Well done! Have you ever considered Wattpad, by the way? Your genre would do well there, and if your book proves popular that could help you get a trad pub deal anyway. If you join one of the writing groups on there, they are useful for providing feedback. (They usually have strict rules to make sure people pull their weight.)
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Thank you Emma. You’re not the first to mention Wattpad. I’ll be sure to check it out.
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Thats interesting. I love the article and I am also writing a book. Started off as an E-Book.
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