I just finished what I’m firmly convinced will be the last final edit of my new short story book, Shy Ghosts Dancing: Dark Tales from Southeast Alaska.
I’ve been here before. I sent the previous “final edit” on Halloween. That proof is taking so long to arrive that I actually read the previous proof! I know—I was stupid not to read it thoroughly the first time. I was convinced that it was the “last final edit.”
The initial change had gone unnoticed through repeated readings by several people, but it’s an acknowledgment to my brother, so it had to be right. That led to other edits that improve the book considerably, I think.
I could do this forever. If I read it again next week I’d make more changes, half of which could be returning previous changes to the original wording. I’m trying not to do that.
But, I need that proof! Problems with the cover colors must be resolved before publishing.
That’s the bad news: the book will be delayed further. However, there’s also good news!
There will eventually be 3 or 4 ways to buy the book. I hope to sell it through local, independent bookstores around Southeast Alaska, perhaps farther afield. I have yet to make those arrangements, but I’m optimistic.
Because it’s print-on-demand, it’ll primarily be sold via the Internet, on Amazon.com and the printer’s site. Amazon takes a larger cut, but they’re a trusted vendor, and if your order totals $25.00 or more, your shipping is free. The printer, an Amazon subsidiary, should also be trustworthy. They take a smaller percentage.
The third way is to order from me. Friends have asked how to get autographed copies, so I worked that out. It’ll be slow: I order a book, it’s printed and sent to me, I autograph it, package it, and mail it to you.
On the other hand, I’m learning (to my anxiety) that the printer is not a particularly fast shipper! Because of that, I’m ready to accept pre-orders through our Website now.
If you order from me, I’ll place an order as soon as the proof is approved. That should give you a small jump over ordering from the other sources, as there will be a lag before they start accepting orders after final approval. You may actually receive your copy sooner than anyone else.
Please read the instructions for autographing. If you don’t want an autograph, that’s fine—just type “no autograph” or “NA” in the box. I won’t be disappointed!