The text is finally finished. After the torturous process of writing, editing, getting feedback, editing, editing, editing and editing, I now have a completed manuscript ready to be formatted for publishing.
Having gotten quotes on printing, everything seems to be in a good position to begin formatting the book and preparing for pre-orders. This is one of the most nerve-wracking things ever as we’re now reaching the final stages before the book is unleashed on the world. Once it’s out there who knows how it will go down.
What I can say is that this final time around editing I did feel that there were quite a few moments in the book where I was surprised at how well it turned out. People probably expect writers to love what they create, but most creatives have a hyper critical opinion of their own work. This is a book that I hope people will not just want to read once, but re-read. Time will tell of course.
I have also finally found an idea for the cover that I am happy to use and that will hopefully catch the eye of a broader audience. That has been an agonising process, but they say “no pain, no gain” so I suppose it was necessary. Below is the blurb that will be on the back cover.
As I wrote this it was the 140th anniversary of the events portrayed in the book. Unfortunately due to Covid-19 I had to cancel my annual pilgrimage to Glenrowan to commemorate it. There’s a certain irony in that I should dedicate so much time and energy to the story of the Glenrowan siege then be unable to go in person to where it all unfolded on the anniversary, but such is life. It’s a strange world we live in.
An announcement on pre-orders will hopefully come in a few weeks so do stay tuned for that. In the meantime I have to finish the formatting and get final quotes on publishing prices. Can’t give you a price or ETA unless I have that I go myself.
Until next time, stay safe.
