And we're off!

Actually we were off last Wednesday the 27th as in I hit the submit button for the final e-proof and on Friday Milele Safari hit the Amazon shelves. I've actually published my book! lol

So - still feeling my way along. My next chore is to put up some 'look inside' bits and pieces but I've already starting taking orders from both my fave forums. With Xmas coming as well I've already got 10 'sold', even if I'm buying half of them myself - but then I'd be buying presents  anyway wouldn't I so it all counts? And I get them at cost!!! :P

Last gasp . . .

. . . well - the hard copy proof looked great but had a couple of minor tweaks for the cover and dozens of tiny corrections for the content (and one silly boo-boo where I'd deleted half a parag of dialogue when I was putting on the last of the proof-reading alterations). Anyway I spent about 9 days fiddling around with those and revising the layout slightly so it's easier to read and sit in the hand and sent it off again this afternoon.

I've just checked again online and apparently the online proof's prepared but not quite 'live' yet so I expect it was too late for today and I should get it early tomorrow. No hard copy this time as I have to pay for the revision and I just want to sign off now so, barring accidents, I'm hoping that I can get this agreed for distribution this weekend!

Trying to keep nails away from teeth . . .

Hit, Submit, Brick it . . .

. . . well more like gently fret on a proof copy paperback which should be wending its way back to me in the next week or so. I'll certainly be available from your nearest online bookstore before Xmas!

I hit the submit button yesterday evening and am about to start formatting the e-book version later on today. I've committed to Lightning Source on the basis that the contracts with them are simply for 'print' on demand and they also have many more outlets than Lulu, so it'll be easier in the long run, especially if things take off for me or for DreamWorlds Publishing, which is now an 'official' entity with its first batch of 10 ISBNs safely tucked away.

Not sure exactly how long it'll be before Milele will be on a virtual bookshelf as it may need a few more revisions, but it's definitely cleared for landing now. I'll be published! So, yeah. Feeling nervous, chuffed, apprehensive and most of all eager to hold my actual book in my hands finally.

Here's the final, final cover design -