Friday, March 14, 2008

The Evolution of a Book

Cara spoke about revisions yesterday. Today I'm going to talk about Author Alteration, mostly because I'm deep into mine for Her Only Protector, my August 2008 release.

Author Alterations are that last peek at your novel before it goes to press. The editor has already given you their guidance, the copyeditors have already made their changes and now it's time to proof your novel for errors. Personally, nothing bugs me more than finding mistakes in a book. Why? Because it pulls me out of the story when I find them. If it's a great story, all is forgiven when I keep reading. If not, I may put the book down for the night. That's why going through the manuscript with a fine tooth comb to make sure that everything that is in the book is what it needs to be to tell my story.

You'd think I'd be sick of my book at this stage. Let's be honest, by the time I get my AAs I've probably read the book more times than I can even count. But in truth, I find it exciting. Aside from the few changes I make, the story is in the closest form it will be before it becomes a book. I love reading through the story as the reader will. I'll read the story one more time when the book is actually in print, too. Just because.

Until next week, many blessings to you,
Lisa

2 comments:

Becca Dowling said...

Errors have always bothered me in reading - article or novel. Since I've decided to write a novel myself, I read more critically, and errors seem more obvious.

Thanks for sharing about the various levels of proofing that go on. I wasn't aware that the author had a last go-around.

Blessings,
Becca

Lisa Mondello said...

Congratulations on starting a novel, Becca! Writing is a wonderful thing and I love that I get to write for Steeple Hill and share my stories with others.

Yes, the process can be daunting, but in the end it makes a great book. I hate finding errors in books too because it pulls me out of the story. If I'm really into the story, I hate being pulled out.
Many blessings,
Lisa