Suzanne Rogerson's Blog, page 79
October 12, 2015
My pre-publishing checklist
I can’t believe how close I am to actually publishing my first fantasy novel, Visions of Zarua. This has been my dream since junior school when I first discovered the magic of creating my own stories. Now I am about to accomplish that dream, and it’s exciting but also terrifying.
Items ticked off my checklist
The proofread is done.
The final changes are done – I managed to lose another 1,100 words. The final word count is now down to just over 152K.
The cover is paid for, proofed and on its way.
The table of contents is inserted with all its bookmarks and hyperlinks, and seems to be working. It was actually very easy, just tedious – why do I have 48 chapters?
I’ve saved the novel as a HTML web page file and checked the formatting looks as it should.
Still to do;
Once I have the cover, I can download to Kindle and check for any formatting errors. Then I’ll need to do the same with Smashwords.
In a few days I hope to get my press release out there with the cover reveal and a link to pre-order – something else I need to learn how to do.
Finally, I just have a few more decisions to make about setting the price, how long to have it on pre-order, my actual launch date and how to reach potential readers.
Anyone have any marketing tips and tricks?
October 11, 2015
How to Add a Simple Table of Contents in Kindle Books
I have been dreading making a table of contents for my ebook, but this guide makes it seem very simple. I shall tackle the task tomorrow, fingers crossed it all goes well.
In the meantime, I thought I’d share this post for all those out there who feel the same as me.
Originally posted on Self-Published Authors Helping Other Authors:
I’m going to be honest and admit that I don’t have a table of contents in my books, or at least I haven’t manually put one in. But, a fellow author got a notice from Amazon that some of you may have gotten:
Your book doesn’t have a Table of Contents. A table of contents provides readers with both easy navigation and improved visibility into the contents of the book. Please see https://kdp.amazon.com/self-publishing/help?topicId=A2BQILI6OJWLTC for help with creating and formatting a Table of Contents.
So, I thought this might be a good time to discuss HOW to make a table of contents using Word. (I assume other word processing programs are similar but I haven’t used them, so I don’t know.)
There are probably multiple ways to go about this, (for how to use headers, check out THIS POST) but here is what I did:
1. Since my chapters don’t have names…
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September 24, 2015
#Writinganovel – what to expect from an editor
I wanted to share this post for anyone out there looking for an editor. Alison certainly knows what she’s talking about, and she delivers on every point. She really helped me with both the final edit of my novel and my social networking profile. She was also there when it all got too much, offering me support and words of encouragement.
Even though passing your work to an editor may seem daunting, it’s so rewarding when you see how much better your work can be.
Originally posted on Alison Williams Writing:
Since starting my editing business, I have worked on more than seventy projects. I feel very honoured and very privileged that these writers have trusted me with their work. As a writer myself, I understand how fellow writers feel about their work, and also how difficult it can be to hand that manuscript over to someone else, often someone you don’t know, and trusting them to do a good job. Choosing an editor is a minefield – there are so many out there now, so what should you expect from an editor? And what should you look for when choosing one?
Testimonials
Look for testimonials from previous clients. If an editor can’t provide testimonials find out why. When I began my business, I provided free edits in return for honest testimonials. This way I began to build a reputation and a client base (most of those clients that I provided…
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September 22, 2015
A whole new level of distraction
I have to admit that I’m easily distracted from writing. Usually it’s editing, I just can’t let go. And then there’s the mundane tasks of everyday life – cooking and cleaning (well perhaps more thinking about doing these things rather than the actual execution of them). In the evening I can be tempted away from the laptop by the promise of an action packed film, and as the cold nights draw in I’m partial to a bath, a book and an ice cream.
Now I find myself with a whole new level of distraction. Poppy, the lunatic kitten has been with us 5 days and is taking over. As I type this she is stalking my fingers. And she keeps dashing across the keyboard so I constantly have to delete her additions to my work. This kitten needs a time out or a naughty step.
The final part of proofreading my novel has also been given the Poppy treatment – she’s either attacking the pages or stealing my pen. Maybe she thinks she can do a better job!
At least the proofing is finally done; the read through part anyway. It turned into a bit of an editing exercise, I just can’t help myself.
When I next get the chance, I shall make the final few changes to the novel. The word count will go down by at least a few hundred. It’s amazing how many small changes can be made, even after extensive editing by myself, beta reads by writing friends and professional editing.
Now is the point where I have to call it a day. To finish it, before it finishes me. This novel has been a bit like a naughty child or kitten. It’s given me years of grief and sleepless nights, but it’s grown into something I’m proud of and I can’t wait to share it with the world, though I’m sure a lot more sleepless nights are still to follow.
Poppy is finally asleep, so I guess it’s time to start tackling those changes.
September 12, 2015
Book review – Trisha Ashley’s Creature Comforts.
I rate this book 4 out of 5. I recently won a free copy of Creature Comforts by Trisha Ashley in a twitter competition and I’m really happy that I did.
The premise of the book draws you in and the story keeps you turning the pages. I enjoyed every aspect of it, but especially the dogs at Debo’s Desperate Dog Refuge. The characters were fun to be with and I was sad when the book came to an end. I recommend this book, but beware you won’t want to put it down.
(I have reviewed on Goodreads but am currently having problems linking it to my blog).
September 9, 2015
Unexpected bonus of proofreading
Since I started proofreading my novel last week, I’ve managed to finish editing a short story so it’s ready to send to competitions, edit a flash fiction piece which is also ready to submit when I’ve found the right title, and write two new flash fiction pieces. I’ve also got plans to revisit two short stories that received very helpful critiques from Writer’s Forum. Finally, it gave me the idea for this short blog, so I really think I should proofread more often.
September 4, 2015
Time to put my Proof Read Top 10 Checklist to the test
The kids are back at school today and apart from feeling a little nervous for them, I’m also feeling nervous about the task I have set myself; to proofread 153k words before self publishing later this year. I’ve printed my Proof Read Top 10 checklist (with a couple of additions from other writers) and have everything set up ready.
Now its time to shut down the internet, disconnect the phone and escape into the summerhouse.
Wish me luck!
August 29, 2015
Take a break and eat cake!
Every writer needs a break from their computers once in a while. Something I’ve found always relaxes me is baking my favourite cake. This is not just any cake. It’s gluten and dairy free and has a few secret ingredients that make it tasty and healthy.
How can a cake with these ingredients be anything but good for you!
Time for a cuppa and a slice of cake.
August 28, 2015
5 Rules For Chapter One Of Your Book
It was interesting to have my novel in mind when I read through this blog. It’s great advice to focus on when editing that all important first chapter.
Originally posted on Dan Alatorre - AUTHOR:
I… must… read… more!
1. Start the story as late as possible
2. Have a grabber opening
3. Make the reader care, usually via the MC
4. What are the stakes? What can be gained or lost?
5. End with a cliffhanger so we go to chapter 2
Need more info? Let’s read on then, shall we?
(Learn more about writing better stories HERE)
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I’m already 45 minutes overdue!
Start the story as late as possible
Most authors bury the really interesting stuff a few paragraphs in, or worse, in chapter two or three. What’s the first interesting thing that happens in your story? Start there.
(Learn about tightening your story HERE)
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Have a grabber opening
Holy cow, am I intrigued by this prose!
I like a “grabber” opening to a story and especially the opening chapter. Stories that hook a reader right away and keep…
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