Welcome to Catching Days 2.0 and to my new website! If you’re coming from the old location, you may have already read this post, but I’d love for you to skip to the comment section and leave a word or two. That way, I’ll know you found me : )
I had wanted to share each step of the publication process with you, but between dealing with my parents’ estates and helping with my son’s wedding (in two weeks), I’m only just meeting the publishing deadlines. I can’t believe it’s been two months since I showed you the cover. And that three months from now, Tidal Flats will be out in the world.
Here’s the short version of what’s been happening:
January and February: edits
March: copyedits, cover design, and requests for blurbs
April and May: a new direction with cover design, first and second galleys (last chance for me to make changes to a manuscript I’ve been making changes to for six years), proofreaders, and interior design (where to put page numbers, chapter numbers, what font to use…)
June: final correction of a few missing commas, jacket design with blurbs, front and back flap design, choosing end sheets and the color of the foil for the spine (I had to ask what these were), and uploading files to the printer
The interior files were uploaded on Friday, and after some missing italics are added to the back cover today, the jacket will also be uploaded. So, sometime today, we will be finished with the book itself.
The main thing I’d like to say about the process for those of you who want to publish a book-length manuscript is this: I LOVE the small-press experience. It’s collaborative. It’s manageable. And I know it would be cool beans to be with one of the big five, but my book is the only book Yellow Pear Press is publishing this fall. That makes me kind of like a queen : ) But here’s the most important thing–finding an editor at whatever size press you choose who wants the same thing you do–the same type of book (literary or commercial or mystery or whatever) and the same beautiful, physical book.
So now I get to put my feet up and rest, right? Not so fast. Now we begin scheduling readings at book stores and visits with book groups–the publicity and marketing portion of the journey. Already I’ve been working on this new website.
Back in September of 2008, at the same time that I began Catching Days, I also put up a small website. A few months ago, when I began thinking about a new one, I had no idea how I wanted it to look or feel. The only thing I knew was that I wanted to be all in one place. As of today, I will be. From now on, you will find Catching Days here with the rest of me.
If you’d like to continue receiving a notification when I post, you will find the RSS Reader button located at the bottom of the CATCHING DAYS page.
Otherwise, I’ll be sending out a newsletter–but not every time I post. More on that soon. If you’re interested, you can sign up at the bottom of the HOME page.
I’m sure there will be kinks to work out, so please send feedback. But hooray! I’m all in one spot–a lovely, light-filled, airy, new place, and I’m happy you’re here with me.
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Hooraaayy!!! Everything looks great.
Congrats Looks great Jack.
Yes, thank you, Jack! I love it.
Got it! It’s amazing. Clapping my hands now and looking forward to clinking a glass.
Thanks, Jodi! Hope the clinking is sooner rather than later : )
Looking forward to continuing to read your blog at its new location. Congratulations on the progress you are making toward the publication of your book.
Katherine, it’s so nice to see your face : ) And nice to hear from you. Hope all is well with you.
What an amazing time! So excited for you!! I’ve pre-ordered your book and can’t wait to read it!
Thank you, Evelyne!!! I appreciate it. What an amazing time for so many reasons : )
Eagerly awaiting 9-9-19!
I wonder when we will learn How YOU Spend YOUR Days??????
: ) Maybe soon–thank you for asking!
Congratulations!
I Love the new website, beautiful design, and easy to navigate
Thank you, May! That’s what I was hoping for. Nice to see you here again. I appreciate your taking the time to leave a comment.
Your new site is lovely. Glad to be here! 🙂
Thank you, Dave!
I think that’s wonderful that you’re getting your book published by a small press. And one with such a lovely name – Yellow Pear Press. Can’t wait to see the finished product and read it. I did click on the RSS button to keep being informed about Catching Days posts but got gobble-dy gook instead of a way to sign up. That could have been me (okay, I’m ashamed to admit I don’t really know what a RSS means) but when I held my cursor over the rainbow looking button it said RSS feed. So……?
Nicola, thank you! And thank you for reminding me about the gobbledygook. My web guy went over that with me, and then I totally forgot how it worked. I’ve also been doing a little extra research, and I’m about to post step-by-step directions! Thanks again.
So exited for you! Catching Days is part of my every first Saturday morning at a cafe, it’s exactly what I look forward to Start the weekend – beautiful, reflective and real. Can’t wait for the book and wish you all the joy you are seeking!
Thank you, Letty!!! I’m glad you found me–I so look forward to your comments. And I’m also looking forward to your thoughts on the book! Happy rest of your weekend.
10 years – wow – I think I must have stumbled upon you in your early days of Catching Days! I admire your consistency more than I can say – I’m afraid to look back at how long it’s been since I’ve posted anything.
Susan, it’s so good to hear from you again! Just for fun I went back to find your last comment–it was the last day of the 365 true things project. It’s hard to believe that was 3 1/2 years ago–crazy. Thanks again for your support during that year. Hope you are well.
Hi Cynthia. I just discovered that Catching Days moved and you have a new web site. And congratulations on publishing your book, Tidal Flats. I ordered it from Amazon, and look forward to reading it. And I’ve signed up for your newsletter so I don’t miss anything. Here’s to all the days…
Doug, It’s so nice to hear from you! And my apologies. I just discovered your nice comment a few minutes ago. I hope you are well. Thanks so much for ordering Tidal Flats–I look forward to your thoughts. Cheers to you, and all the days…