This day trip is good, though. It gives me about eight hours of computer time. I've been working on the manuscript, putting in the maps and the photos. Drafting the document for the publisher on how I want things laid out (they're inserting the images into the manuscript, so they need to know how I want it to look).
I called my publisher's rep on Monday and found out, much to my relief, that their design staff will do the headers. I just have to tell them what I want and they take care of it. What a relief! I had read, in the instructions, "have the manuscript completely ready". I should have asked what "the manuscript" meant. Not headers, apparently!
It is very exciting to see the final touches come in. Art roughed out a map of a day of combat he describes early in the book, and my sister Alyx polished it up. It's now on a page of its own and boy, what a great addition it is! My neighbor Jason, a graphic artist, took a photo we took on the trip and designed a book cover. It's amazing what the professional polish is doing. I got to write a Dedication page at the beginning and an Acknowledgements page near the end. As I look at this I think, "Oh, my goodness. Look what we have done!"
I've read the comments to my last post. If you're a writer and you have a story to tell, don't be discouraged by the publication process. I decided against an agent and query letters and decided to work with a self-publishing company. They're doing most of the work. I paid a fee to sign up, which was fine. I'm not a bestselling author in the making. I'm not interested in huge sales and fame of any kind. I just want this story to be out there. It's my way to honor Art and all the other vets. And to say, "Yes, I'm a writer."
Fun and scary.
I think I'll be ready to send in all my materials on Thursday, the day after tomorrow. It has been a long slog for the last couple of weeks, and I'm ready to be done with this step.
14 comments:
i just caught this on my way to bed, Linda. Hope the working day in the air went well and you can soon hand the thing over for printing and relax.
The Wisdom ofWarren Buffet is a class at the U of NE in Omaha, thought it could be a fun one for you.It was discussed in last Sunday's World Herald
Now that is a quick trip, and I understand how you are doing it to keep your airline miles at the ready. I can see you are making progress on your book.
How will you market the book?
Dear Linda, as my mom used to say, "I'm pleased as punch for you!" I can hardly wait to read your book so please keep us apprised of when it's published and how we can order it.
Reading about the wars fought by so many brave mean, and now women, has always intrigued me. I'm humbled by such bravery and dedication to getting the job done and to protecting one's buddies.
I'm so eager to get your book.
Peace.
This certainly fit the definition of a a "working trip"!
You must be able to concentrate more than I ever could. Flying, writing, and editing would never working together for me.
Congrats again. You know what you want, what needs to get done, and I admire that you just go out and do it.
Okay, now it makes more sense that you are having to do some much of the work with the printing end of it.
I think it's wonderful that you are getting his story out there. And funny that you were blogging from the sky! ;)
I like your title and on the same theme, maybe you'll soon be Blogger in the Sky with Diamonds.
Sure hope when you get the baby out of the canal, you can just wallow in relaxation for at least a little while though I am not sure that wallowing is in your nature. You do amaze me.
I have to agree with Patti: you are not a wallower in retirement. When I think of all you have accomplished already, it is simply amazing. Congratulations on your almost-finished published work! This is great!
Isn't it amazing what just a little bit of help from someone else can do to your overall psyche? So glad to hear the house will help with those headers, can be very frustrating! You sound much calmer this post than the last btw. The to/from Houston should prove very good for you finishing up the last of what you need to get done. Kudos my friend, this is quite awesome :-)
I continue to be intrigued by your publishing experience. Thank you for sharing it.
I continue to be impressed with both your traveling and your writing. Question: I thought I was one of your followers, but I couldn't find myself there -- yet when I checked the list on my own blog, there was Thoughts from a Bag Lady in Waiting. I'm still relatively new at this -- so you know what I'm doing wrong? Thx!
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