From First Draft to Final Proof: The Long Road to Seagull Street

If you’re going to do something, do it right. That’s been my personal motto for as long as I can remember. Maybe that’s why it took me nearly two years to write and publish my debut novel, “Welcome to Seagull Street: That Summer in Ocean City, Maryland.“Writing the First Draft

I started writing in earnest in April 2023, shortly after quitting a nightmare of a job. By September, I had a full draft—but it was far from done. What followed was six months of beta readers, self-editing, revising, cutting, and rewriting. Like most first-time novelists, I learned the real work begins after “The End.”

Working with a Professional Editor

By early 2024, I was back in a full-time job and had taken the manuscript as far as I could on my own. I didn’t have the time or energy to keep up the momentum for this passion project.

I’ve always been a picky reader. If a book is poorly edited or badly formatted, I can’t ignore it, and I didn’t want my book to fall into that trap. As a professional editor and content writer, I knew I needed outside perspective. I hired a developmental editor who specializes in fiction to help tighten the structure, clarify character arcs, and uncover blind spots I couldn’t see on my own.

Editing a novel is slow, emotional work. The process took another six months and wrapped up at the end of 2024.

Choosing the Self-Publishing Path

I never seriously considered traditional publishing. I’ve worked in marketing and communications for years and helped others promote their books. I have an MBA, I’ve run a business, and I know how to manage a project. So in 2023, I founded Red Hill Creek Enterprises, LLC, and set out to publish the book myself. It felt like the perfect way to combine everything I’ve done professionally.

Even with that background, self-publishing was no walk in the park. Learning the technical side—how to format files, set margins, and pick the right print specs—was a crash course in trial and error. I probably re-exported the manuscript two dozen times just trying to get the PDF right.

What’s Next?

As of today, I’ve submitted the files to request my printed paperback proof copy. After countless rounds of editing and reviewing, I’m hoping (fingers crossed!) that everything looks the way I imagined. I know it won’t be perfect—but I also know I gave it everything I had.

Welcome to Seagull Street: That Summer in Ocean City, Maryland, is available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback formats, launching May 24, 2025.

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