116 hours.
677 pages.
184,000 words.
I re-sequenced the beginning and three other spots that had me scratching my head on how the first edition had gotten it wrong. I added a chapter to the ending to make it flow as it should. And tightened small things on almost every other page.
Now it’s off to my copy editors.
The cover is progressing.
Very soon, Precious. Very soon.
I now turn to the editing of CURSE.
Here’s the latest version of the book description that will accompany the book on the various sites and on the back cover of the trade paperback. It’s purpose is to advertise: to let folks know the feel of the book and pique their interest.
A young man.
The girl he is hunting for using the dark and terrifying magic of Slethery.
And the monster who only wants to be free.
So begins the towering fantasy series that introduces an elaborate new world, a multifaceted system of magic, and a cast of compelling characters and creatures.
Trapped in a web of lies and ancient secrets, of right becoming wrong, the three must struggle not only against each other, but also a being of irresistible powers. A creature who is gathering her servants to oversee the impending human harvest.
If the three win, they will save those they love the most. If they fail, the clans of the land fall with them.
What people are saying:
~ Best Novel of the Year Whitney Awards, speculative fiction
~ Engrossing Publishers Weekly
~ Provocative Booklist
~ Starred Review! Library Journal
~ A great setting, a smart story Brandon Sanderson
Do you think you can do better? See anything to cut? Have some book descriptions you think work really well? If so, comment. I’d love to see what you come up with.
I passed the 90% mark today on SERVANT. It’s been wonderful going back through this story, remembering why I loved these characters so much. The cover too is coming along. I’m looking forward to revealing it in the near future. Right now everything looks like it will release on target, although that may change.
While you’re here, you know I have been on a quest for delicious low-sugar yogurt for some time. I have found it at last. Behold.
No Greek yogurt has a better taste or texture. And there’s no added sugar. Add some fruit and it’s heaven.
It’s pronounced “fa-yeh.” Except, how do you pronounce that? Who comes up with product names nobody can pronounce?
But it doesn’t matter how you pronounce it. We luvs it, Precious.
The artists were the wild cards with my delivery schedule. Now that I’ve secured the artist for all three books I want to release this fall, I can finally give some target dates. Here’s the schedule:
I want to get GLORY out sooner, but it’s going to be a big book, and I’m not going to rush the editing phase. I don’t want to release shoddy work. Furthermore, it’s almost the size of two normal 100,000k novels. I hope to significantly accelerate the schedules for both AWFUL INTENT and GLORY, but we’ll have to see if I can make the necessary arrangements.
After GLORY, I will publish another Frank Shaw novel. And then I begin the LORD OF BONES epic fantasy series which is going to be structured differently that much of what’s out there. The concept excites me and allows me to take the story in all sorts of directions. It’s going to be a blast.
Can’t wait to get these books out there and let them find their audience. Thanks to all of you who have hung with me, sending me emails or posting comments of support. It’s much appreciated!
EDIT: I keep the release schedule up-to-date on the Calendar page.
After reviewing almost 100 applications, we have selected an artist to do the covers for SERVANT and CURSE. His name is Giorgio Grecu Shards, and he lives in the UK. You can see his gallery here: http://shards.cghub.com/images/.
Some of my favorite pieces of his include these.
And this
There were quite a number of others who we gave serious consideration, including Shen Fei, ThuyNgan, Nusha Amini, and Nick Greenwood. In the end, we felt Giorgio could pull off the feel the best. We’re very excited to have made the selection and come to the agreement. Right now we’re targeting October-November for the release of both books. I’ll keep you posted as the cover art shapes up.