WHAT'S IN A NOVEL (6)

Hi. Here's a bit more info to read.

Once I've finished my first draft, I always think the hardest part of the assignment is finished. What remains is, for me, a lot more fun. There are various stages my novels go through before they are offered for sale.

Firstly, I re-read at least twice to look for errors of all sorts. The spell-check will not find all errors so this cannot be relied upon. There may also be plotting errors such as events happening in the wrong order, or even name errors. My key character has started with one name and ended up with another! It's at this point that I check the time line. Can everything happen within the given timeframe? Over what period does this story take place. One time, after checking, I found that in my story December lasted eight weeks. Of course, the plot had to be changed. Other errors include the overuse of one word, the use of cliches, using a long word when a short one is better, not having enough character description. Where other authors have to cut down on words, I often have to add them.

When I've done as much as I can, I seek beta readers: family, friends and complete strangers to read through and give me feedback. I give no guidance on feedback so as not to influence their comments but it is as well to know that the background of readers can greatly influence what they think. Once I have their feedback I make further changes where necessary.

The next step is printing/publishing. All my books are printed in traditional Times New Roman, 12 point font. This is a good reading print which won't strain your eyes. The design of the pages and the headings can be time-consuming, making sure everything is lined up properly and nothing has slipped down the page.

I design my own covers, too. I find pictures on the internet and overprint with title and words. I like to think that my covers truly reflect the story, or aspects of it, and are not misleading in any way as is the title of the novel. The back cover blurb is the key to knowing what is inside. It is essential to tell readers what they might expect, without giving away the ending or any key twists. This is especially true with my novels as they often start slowly and build up step by step.

Once I feel I have done all I can on the design side, the entire novel goes to the printer. I receive one author copy which gets read again, very carefully. It is amazing how errors become more obvious once a novel is in print. If I find an error which makes a substantial difference to the plot, characters etc. then the novel must be re-published before it is offered for sale.

By the time novels are offered for sale on my website, they have had several rewrites, have been read by a variety of testers and may have been republished at least once.