Guest Post by the Author

Preparing My Babbling Brook Naked Poker Club Books for Publication

Although working with new characters and a new plot is exciting, my favorite part of the process is having a “finished” book that needs editing and revising to perfect it. I enjoy this part because while it lasts, I don’t have to face a blank screen or an empty imagination.

Once the story is in hand, these are my next steps.

1. Share the manuscript with my critique group.
I’m what’s known in the trade as a seat-of-the-pants writer. That means I begin writing without knowing exactly where I’m going or who my characters will be. Once I’ve reached “The End” the first time, I share with my critique group. This wonderful group of fellow writers from the US,  UK, Australia, and Europe will  be the first readers of the book. I never share until I’ve figured out the entire story, although I do sometimes discuss plot issues with my husband.

I rely on my critique group to point out any bits that are unclear, confusing, repetitious, or not well written, to tell me where I need to add emotion and description or where to take them out, and to point out any hanging plot threads. I’ve been working with this group for over seven years and they always help me write better books.

2. Evaluate the critiques I receive and prepare a revision.
I’m always thrilled with critiques that give me a fresh viewpoint on my story. These are the ones that inspire me tackle revisions.

3. Send the final manuscript to my editor, Pam Berehulke.
   Pam is amazing. I send her what I think is a clean manuscript, and she shows me time and time again why I need her to find all the glitches, errors, and infelicities.

   4. Work on a cover.
   The basic Babbling Brook cover was designed by Kit Foster. I added the orchids and chose the colors for the three books (soon to be four).

   5. Apply Pam’s corrections and do the final formatting for both print and electronic editions of the books.
   Probably the nitpickiest and least fun of the entire process.

   6. Send out advance copies to early readers so they will be prepared to write reviews once the book is released.
   I’ve been blessed with wonderful fans, so this part of the process is a joy.

   7. Upload electronic and print versions to Kindle Direct Publishing. Let early readers know the book is “live” so they can post reviews. Also inform my mailing list members that the book is available.

   8. Arrange promotions for the book.
   Along with formatting, promotion is not a favorite activity. But it is essential. Over 5,000 books are published each day which means Amazon is adding nearly two million books a year to the ones already available to readers. In this avalanche of riches (for readers), I consider it a major miracle that readers continue to discover my books.

   9. Begin writing the next book.
   Sometimes an idea starts pushing at me before I finish the current book and sometimes it remains more elusive. But I’ve found that if I keep an intention to write in mind, ideas show up.

Author Bio