I was offered my two-book deal with HarperCollins in November 2013. The first book will be released September 2015.

Everyone keeps asking me, Why does it take so long?

So, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what’s been happening since my book deal.

First of all, it took months for my agent and my publisher to iron out all the details of the deal. I didn’t sign the actual contract until February 2014. That was also when my editor and I started working on revisions. I did significant developmental revisions till the beginning of September. Then, in a quick turnaround right before October, I did line edits (24 hours of work crammed into just 48 hours!).

Next, the manuscript spends 4-6 weeks with copyediting, where it is looked over for mistakes, inconsistencies, typos, formatting. We’re fixing all that now, then there will be advance reader editions created– and galleys.  Plus, the book jacket will be finalized. (So exciting! I’ve seen it, and it’s breathtaking!)

I just recently had to fill out a ginormous questionnaire for my publisher too– an 8-part massive survey that will help the marketing, sales, and publicity folks come up with a plan to roll out the book in the best way possible.

I’ll keep you posted as I go through it, but I think what has surprised me the most was just how much editing came after the book deal. The core of my story is still very much there, but almost nothing was left untouched. It makes you wonder a little, doesn’t it: I feel like Truest was purchased based off of its potential, not precisely based off of what was actually there.  If that makes sense.

It’s an honor.

Also, a ton of work.

As I’ve said before, I thought getting the book deal was the hard part. I learned very quickly that the post-deal developmental revisions were much harder. My manuscript was refined by fire.

But what was left is pretty golden.

Nine more months!!!

P.S. Happy Thanksgiving, friends!