Now in Edit Phase

So, here's the plan:

• professional editor is now going through my manuscript in detail (April), version 0.8.
• I receive her report and make changes as necessary (April - May)
• I produce a short run (perhaps a dozen) books and hand them out to beta readers (May) 0.9
• Now pay attention, here.  If you ever publish a book, keep this list!
• Anyway, in about 3 weeks or so, the Beta readers get back to me
• I evaluate their feedback and make any last minute changes.
• I submit the final manuscript back to my editor for a final go over. (late June)
• I 'bless' the result as the final version, 1.0 which goes in for printing.

By then, it's likely to be after the 4th of July.  Publicity is difficult because people are at the beach, on vacation, etc.  So,

• I'll put the book on the market for pre-orders only, as I finalize publishing plans & gear up publicity.  All bookstores should be able to pre-order a copy when that happens.  I will add online sales and an E-book version as I go.
• After Labor Day, orders go "live" and the book starts selling.  Pre-orders are shipped and new orders are fulfilled.
• I keep up publicity, perhaps go on tour, doing readings, Q & A, book signings, etc.  I start here around the Boston Area, then move outward if responses are good.
  
• During the fall, the book makes for great holiday gifts!
• I hire a helper or two to keep up with all the responses (Yes!) and my social media.

​Then, I start working on my next books.  That's right, more than one.  I'm thinking one of photographs and one of just poetry.  We shall see!