This week I got to rename my manuscript word document from ‘Draft’ to ‘Final’ (see screenshot for proof!). I can’t describe the feeling, 16 months of writing and editing and it’s all contained within one crucial word document (backed up in at least five other places).
The final word count came to almost exactly 82,000 words. It ended up being slightly longer due to some rather adamant feedback from one of my beta readers that a saucy scene was missing… So you can thank Angela for the last minute addition of chapter 61…
82,000 words though. Mind blown.
Google says that’s 5 hours and 28 minutes of reading, slightly longer than it takes the average woman to run a marathon (and I know what I’d prefer to do!).
What’s next?
Now, we’re not quite at the finish line yet - I’ve still got to try and navigate self-publishing; understanding cover templates, discount rates, formatting differences between ebook and paperback. But I have time. It will take my typesetter and proof-reader a month to review and perfect all 82,000 words. So over the next month I plan to bury myself in research so I get this crucial step right.
Then my focus will be getting to grips with marketing, which brings me to the video at the top of this blog. My lovely friend Aby has designed a phenomenal cover which I will be sharing on social media and on my website on the 26th August (exactly 2 months’ before publication day) and I will be opening ARC reader sign-ups…
What are ‘ARC reader sign ups’?
I’m so glad you asked!
ARC stands for Advance Reader Copy and I am looking for people who I can send copies of my e-book to in advance of the publication date for them to read (and hopefully) review. This step is crucial in getting feedback on the book and raising awareness, I’m also so nervous to be sending out the final version to people!
If you would like to become an ARC reader for Aubade Rising then please sign up here. I’ll be publicising the link on my social media from the 26th onwards so here’s a 48 hour advance notice for anyone who’s read this far! Spaces are limited so signing up early is essential.
Did you spot it?
For those of you with particularly keen eyesight, you will have spotted a new folder in the screenshot above titled ‘Book 2’. I made a start a few blog posts ago and flew through one scene but progress stalled. But this week I’m back and already nearly 4,000 words into the first draft PLUS I have the title sorted too. But those are all spoilers for another day…
Thanks for reading!
