Home again, after DragonCon, with different kind of work to hand: The publisher sent _both_ the copyedited ms. _and_ the first-pass galleys to my hotel in Atlanta, with the request that I process them simultaneously (ak!), to save time. Which means, theoretically, reading the copyedit and responding to queries, checking marks, etc.–then transferring all markings to the first-pass galleys, and in the process, proof-reading the galleys, in case of errors introduced by the typesetting. _And_ in the process, filling in any still-missing square brackets/additional bits.
The kicker here being that this is my first AND ONLY chance to read and correct the ms. before it goes to the printer. And it needs to be done by Sept. 20th.
Oooookay. So my plan is:
1. Proof the galleys first. Read with no distraction, fix any errors, mark anything (like empty square brackets or questionable bits) for later fill-in.
2. Read the copyedited ms., side by side with galleys (mind, the pages don’t _match_, as the copyedit was done on a printout of the revised ms., not on a printout of the galleys), answer all queries, and transfer all approved markings to the galleys. This will be the slowest part.
3. Paste in/append insertions of Gaelic–these are numerous, and owing to the fact that Gaelic is unfamiliar to typesetters (i.e., they can’t tell what a Gaelic word is _supposed_ to look like, and can therefore easily misspell them), the bits need to be provided _in type_, rather than handwritten (know from bitter experience that typesetters routinely mistake “r” for “v” and “n” for “m” when reading Gaelic insertions done by hand). I’ll print the pieces (on separate pages) and staple them to the relevant galley pages.
4. Write, print, and append auxiliary material: Dedication, Acks, Author’s Notes, and Glossary. (The Author’s Notes are mostly written already, and the Acks roughed out. Dedication is the work of a few moments–but the Glossary needs to be compiled _from_ steps one and two, above, words being added as I go through the ms.) These then need to be proofed, as well.
5. Consult all notes from beta readers and be sure all errors and questions have been addressed.
6. If time, read Whole Damn Thing again when complete. Also if time, make copy of WDT and have assistant proof-read, too, extra eyes being useful (but not all that useful during preliminary phases, as many errors will have already been caught and new stuff hasn’t been added yet).
That’s the Major Thing that needs to be done over the next weeks. On the other hand, really don’t want to go without writing for that long (and wanting very much to dig into WRITTEN); likewise, doing too much proofing at a stretch is counter-productive, because you start reading too fast and imagining–rather than really seeing–what’s on the page. So goal is to proof for an hour or so at a time, with a goal of processing 150 pages a day (I can effectively proof/process about 30 pages an hour), and during breaks, write stuff. (Besides WRITTEN, I have an essay on “Dr. Who” for a small anthology, and the novella about Michael and Joan, due in November. And, of course, there’s always stuff for OCII…). Also resume regular exercise routine (can’t usually keep this up while traveling, particularly not if doing constant events)–walk five miles a day, regular stretches and weights in the morning, half-hour stationary bike or swim in evening.
Sounds like some days what a writer does very *little of* is write! Good luck with that schedule… whew. We’re cheering you on!
Good lord! I’m exhausted just reading that. I presume you own stock in a vitamin company? You must be taking a small fortune in B vitamins to keep up with all of that.
Diana,
You must have invented the term “multi-tasking”!!! You have to LOVE what you do in order to keep that schedule. We all certainly LOVE what you do and hope that you never stop doing it. Thanks.
I knew there was a reason why I am in awe of you. Do you sleep? Are you from another time? Or is it the energy wave of faithful readers who are patiently waiting for the next book…. any book…that keeps you going!
We are All lucky to have you….ooh I am gushing! ALL the best! I await Jamie and Lord John.
And I thought I had a busy upcoming couple of weeks executing 3 out of town events while juggling a 3 year old and a 3 month old. Your to-do list made my eye twitch. When I’m exhausted over these next few days, I’ll just think of your work load!
I love it when you share the process with us! We learn so much about how a book is put together, and that is really fascinating! I can’t imaging why your publishers think you are “Super Human”??? Oh yeah, because you manage to spin 15 plates at one time…quite often! As always “Thank You!”
OMG Diana you are a machine! Good thing you are a woman because no man could ever keep up with that pace.
Mount a book holder/desk on your stationary bike, maybe?
I am waiting patiently.
My head was spinning by the time I got to #6!
You rock, Diana.
I for one feel ashamed for asking whens the next book??? Good Golly Diana, and you always look great in your pics too!
Whoo! I’m exhausted just reading all of that. Diana, you must be a woman of boundless energy, of which we are the grateful beneficiaries. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. I used to have energy like that, until I started having chronic pain in my back. You are also very disciplined, I must say. I think you must even rival my dad, who has been, heretofore, by far the most disciplined person I know. Thanks for sharing the nuts and bolts of publishing a ms with us.
Lynda
I am tired just reading that! Good luck!
you do to much o.O
Amazing – I had no idea the steps existed in the process of getting the book to my hand. Rather thought with computers you somehow emailed the files the publisher formatted the editor proofed and viola!!!! I love learning new things and to hear this realtime makes me value the experience even more. After the book is in hand and I devour the story I bet I spend a moment to appreciate the work – and that someone had to pick a font for the page numbers. ; ). Thanks for the insight.
Gee, and here I thought all one has to do is write the book! Sounds complicated and time consuming. I now have a better understanding of why it takes so long to just not write the book, but to actually get it ready for publication…
Looking forward to both Scottish Prisoner and Book eight!
I’m trying to get a homebased business off and running, your words are very inspiring.
Good luck, and thx 4 sharing.
And I thought going back to work full-time was exhausting. All I can say is, “Thank You so much!” we really do appreciate your hard work.
Hi Mrs. Gabaldon,
I really enjoy your books. I just wanted to Say Thanks !! Thanks so much
for spending time with us fans at Dragoncon.
Good Luck getting all those projects completed on time.
I would gladly volunteer to help, but I know nothing of writing.
I just enjoy reading.
Take care & Be safe !!!!
Susie O.
Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ!
lol, good one!
Love your response Emily. Good Grief. All I do is read.