New Changes in Novel Organization

I was writing the second volume of my two-part novel, Time of the Heathen, and had started the novel with a new character. This character was a professor who had found, edited, and was now publishing myths he had collected about the founding of his civilization and the destruction of the civilization that predated his own.

Each chapter in the second volume was composed of short 'myths' the professor had found that addressed his main concern, how his civilization had developed.

I stopped. I suddenly realized that the organization of Vol 2 is what I should have selected for Vol 1. Therefore, I went back to Vol 1 and reordered it by breaking each chapter into component, short myths. Then, I added an editor's introduction that explained the professor's collection of these myths.

The results were /are astonishing. The new organization brings both volumes together in tone and substance. Other problems with Vol 1 were also overcome. For example, my chapters in Vol 1 ran about 30 pages. This required a lot of concentration from readers. By dividing each chapter into 3 -6 individual myths makes it possible for readers to easily grasp 4-6 pages that sub-divide a portion of the original story. It made an obvious improvement.

I have now completed the re-org of Vol 1 paperback and requested a new proof from the printer. I have also updated the Smashwords.com version and will upload it this weekend. And I'm in the process of updating the Kindle version of Vol 1.

Once the updates are complete and available for sale, promotion begins. I finally feel as if I am getting closer to making this book really available to SFF readers.

Editing the Novel, again

I am so pleased with the new changes I've made to the novel. I'm almost done with this edit and putting the text into this new form/outline. Once finished and uploaded, I will then order a new trade-size proof copy from CreateSpace.com. Once received, that will be my opportunity to approve the final version.

Currently I have 3 versions to standardize: the CreateSpace paperback version, the Kindle version, and the SmashWords version. Once the paperback is completed, then I have to make those same changes in the E-book versions. Once both E-versions are complete, I will produce the audio book and actual book promotion will begin in earnest.

Once the book is finalized and the paperback is printable, then I will set up my website for print sales, open an e-store, set up the Amazon account to sell the paperback, and begin aggressive promotion of both the E-book and paperback.

By the way, my Ezine writing articles have received 108 views. Since I published them, free downloads of sample Ebooks has gone up to 20 in the last month. I'm guessing that readers of my articles about writing are the ones who have downloaded a sample chapter of the novel. I must write another article soon.

More to come soon. I will do my best to record the process, the success and failures of my plan and approach.