My copy editor just delivered the marked up manuscript. I will be making the edits over the next few days. Once those are made, it’s time to publish.
Ah, but publish just one book?
Nope. It looks like this is going to be two:
- CURSE: The Dark God Book 2
- RAVELER: The Dark God Book 3
Each book would be about 120k words. Novels can range from around 30-50k words like many middle grade novels (or most of the books written by Louis L’Amour) to the 50-70k length of a lot of romance novels to the 70-100k words of many thrillers to the 300-400k epic behemoths that George R.R. Martin and Sanderson have recently written. I think most adult novels are around 100k. I think most fantasies are in the 80-130k area, although many epics can be in the 200’s. The bottom line is that both volumes will be chock full of story.
This is all part of a strategy to tell the same long, big story as originally planned, but do it in quicker chunks so that the series can become viable financially more quickly, but also so readers aren’t waiting so long between books. I have tormented those who enjoyed book 1 and wanted more far too long. I want to remedy that in the future, and more frequent installments will allow me to do this. Getting these two volumes out will help set the expectation, I think.
So a release of CURSE in July seems more than feasible. Then we’ll release RAVELER early August. Why August? Because we need to commission a new cover illustration. The soonest the artist can have it done would be August. Stay tuned. I can’t wait to see what art Victor comes up with next.
And if you want to get in on the new release sale for both, please sign up for the notification in the left sidebar.
Happiness.
Thanks for the book sample! Really looking forward to it and I may come by my local book signing once I figure if there is any ‘real’ way to get an esignature for my ereader. Any word on whether it will be made available as an ebook?
Thanks–Jesslyn
Jesslyn,
Not sure. I’ll check into it and let you know. Glad to hear the sample worked for you.
This from my editor on the availability of an e-text version: “It ought to be made available at the same time that the book is available, if not very, very soon thereafter.”
Happiness.
My step daughter is graduating from Bountiful High School in 2012 and is running for class officer this year. She would like to suggest you as a possible speaker for her Baccalaureate “party”. She needs a phone number. I have looked everywhere . . . may we get one from you please?
I adore the book and love the way you write. I can’t wait for more.
Matthew,
Thanks a bunch for the encouragement. So glad to hear you enjoy it.