Wednesday, September 7, 2011

The proof is in the reading

My editor emailed me today. First page proofs of my new book Career Mums are ready and on their way to me. This is the point where all those words start to look like a book. It's exciting... and terrifying. Already I have been waking in the middle of the night in a cold sweat. Did I put a .au on that website address - when it shouldn't have one? (I didn't.) Did I remember to make those few requested corrections on that case study? (I did.)

I will have a few days to read through the entire book. No doubt several times. Looking for errors, mistakes, anything we may have overlooked. Reading all those words that I have read so many times. Trying to look at them with a fresh eye. Best I get some sleep.

Co-author Kate Sykes and I are already working on an idea for a new book. Yep, before the first one is even on the shelves. That's the way it is with publishing. You have to think long and far in advance. And then act in a rush when (if) things finally start to happen.

Hopefully, I'll have a cover to share with you soon.

[image: YanaFilimonova/Flickr]

29 comments:

  1. Exciting! Congratulations. I always admire people who publish books, I understand the process is much more grueling than most people ever think.
    Looking forward to checking out the cover and learning more about the next one!

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  2. You didnt tell me it was a real book! Can I change my mind? Now I am nervous too.

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  3. Congratulations!

    Have just read my proof pages and I understand how exhausting it is - and then there are the proofreader's queries to come. Whoo!

    It's so hard and stressful to step back and try to read it as though you haven't already laboured over every word - but just think, soon you'll see it as a real book!

    Exciting, and much cause for celebration!

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  4. Well done you.
    Look forward to hearing more.
    :-)

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  5. Exciting times in your world - congratulations!!!

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  6. Good on you. This is fabulous news for you

    x

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  7. How very exciting! Can't wait to hear more!!

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  8. Hurrah - hope it's got some tips on how to BE one! I just realised I missed the ONE DAY for school uniform order yesterday and now have to hope that Mr 8's shorts/shirts etc might be ok for Mr 5 until 1st term NEXT YEAR when we can order again! However,the BIG magazine proofs are ready for sign-off in the morning! Will think of that eveytime i see him in his very long shorts. Sigh. Definately got my L-plates on. I will buy the book for sure and promise not to see ANY errors! Congratulations!

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  9. How exciting! Let me know when/how to get a copy! (And I could use one of those yellow typewriters, too.)

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  10. Cannot WAIT to get my hands on a copy!

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  11. Wow, that is so exciting! Can only imagine what it will be like when you see the finished product. Well done to you, well deserved x

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  12. I'm excited for you! I'm hanging out to read it.

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  13. It's exciting and scary at the same time. I had read my book so many times that I am still scared of it now. I think it will take a while till I can read it again. Even after the editing and proofing by a wonderfully talented lady and even though I know it is okay, it is still hard to read your own work I think!
    Very excited for you though, and the next one too!

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  14. You are so clever! I can't wait for you to hold a copy in your hand and see all the hard work shaped into a book. So glad you have another project to work on straight away - what would you do with yourself?!? Happy to be a second pair of eyes. Proud as punch big sis x

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  15. Congratulations! Can't wat to read it. Am sure it will be brilliant!

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  16. Congratulations! Very exciting indeed!Look forward to hearing more, and seeing the cover :)

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  17. As a busy mum, I think this book is exactly what I need.

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  18. Allison that is so exciting for you and Kate - and something I'm in the middle of right now (the writing, not the proofing - yet).

    Can't wait to see it and congratulations.

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  19. That is all just way WAY exciting Allison. Well done! I don't blame you for getting the cold sweats in your sleep. It's incredible stuff, but sounds oh so stressful at the same time. Good luck with reading it through and I can't wait until you get it all published and on the shelves :o) xo

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  20. I am so excited for you and where can I reserve my advance copy???

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  21. Well done, Al! And if you need another detail-obsessed set of eyes to read that baby, you know where to express post to! It would give me an outlet for all of the typos I seem to find in books these days. I can't remember the last book I read where I didn't find one or two. Have they sacked all the subbies or something? Geez! x

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  22. you are such a good writer that you even make your post sound like a page out of a book...

    kudos, to you....

    i will look for the book when it is published....

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  23. whaaaaa! are you getting published?? that is like - awesome!!! Enjoy reading your own words....can't wait to see the cover! yay!

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