HEART OF IRON Final Chapters
These two chapters basically go together. But that's it! That's the first draft.
So what now?
Well, first I put this down and don't go anywhere near it for at least a month as I work on Kingdom of Ice & Blood. Revisions for that are due by March, and I want to give myself as much time.
Once that's done, then I'm going to rewrite Heart of Iron. Probably not from the ground up, but definitely most of it. Then revisions, self-edits, possibly a round of beta readers.
Then I hire I content editor. This is a professional editor who takes a look at the big picture:
"This chapter goes nowhere, it should be cut."
"These two characters should be combined."
"The beginning makes no sense; rewrite it." That type of thing.
After I apply the content edits, I'll put it through another round of beta/sensitivity readers. Once I have a solid grip on the story itself, then it's time to hire a line editor. As the name suggests, they focus more on line-by-line/sentence-level stuff.
"This sentence is too long and clunky."
"You used the word blatant three times in the last two paragraphs. Let's use something else."
"In chapter three you described this character as a blond, but in chapter seven they're a brunette." Etc.
After the line edits comes the proofreader: spelling and grammar. Some line editors also provide proofreader services, some don't.
While all of this is going on, I'll be looking to hire an artist for cover art, marketing, formatting the manuscript so companies can actually print it, making sure as many stores can get their hands on it and sell the book as possible, etc.
Please note: while I understand some of you may have these skills, I would rather hire a professional for each of these tasks rather than rely on volunteer work. Your offer is appreciated, but no necessary.
Yes, it will be expensive. Keep your eyes open in February for a crowdfund campaign--which will not only fund this project, but also provide the donors with free goodies. :)
Comments (20)
I really enjoyed this book. I know that a lot will change. I can’t offer constructive criticism yet as I read this while moving house. I will read it again later
It’s over already? I have to ask roughly where would this take place in the tik tok timeline?
I'm so sad we never got to see jc and Nicole's date in this book but I am so happy the slow burn is burning! I will probably be one of many to be apart of any kickstarting/presales/etc As soon as I finished reading Citadel, I knew I needed more of your work in my life. You have got to have some of THE best world building I've read in ages. I could actually see everything playing out in my mind as I read. Thank you and I look forward to the release 💛
I love this series so much. It's quite literally my favorite series. Of anything. And Bob is my favorite. So happy she's back safe & sound.❤️❤️❤️❤️
Hang on let me get my feedback cap on!. Okay it was just a little bit shorter than I anticipated however, it is an unpublished version that still needs to go through revisions and other steps before getting published so it's not that bad. I absolutely loved the storyline with it's various back stories and world building when it came to the Fae realm/incorporating magic etc into the version of our world that's presented with magic etc being very much apart of everyday life. I loved the little bit of an in depth look into the relationship forming between JC and Nicole. Getting know alot more about Bob's back story was particularly interesting as well as JC's. As while yes both was touched on a bit either with you talking about it in a informative video or an episode of Cafae Latte. But this naturally went hard on the details leaving almost nothing unsaid. At least I think it left almost nothing unsaid it seems that way anyways which is I think what you were going for and if that is the case I think you hit the nail on the head. I especially loved learning more about Nicole and her family. She is such an awesome character. When it comes to JC and Bob if you were going for highlighting the complexity of any being be they human or fae I think you nailed that too. Having JC contemplate their own redemption arc and attempt to do better and hold it next to that of Bob's having them wondering if there is any point to it. I loved that. I felt as though it hit the way it was supposed to like deep in one's soul. The kind of thoughts feeling etc that really get the mind working and the feelings whirling. The added complexity of how Nicole felt after learning the truth about Bob's past and the moral quandary she found herself in afterwards. I felt that. The truth bomb dropped on her after JC spilled the beans about the full details regarding their past too? I FREAKING LOVED THAT personally as that felt so real and genuine. As did the fact she struggled with the Bob of it all. It's already pretty damn good. Some revisions and the other steps needed to get it out there then I think by the time it's completely finished I can't help but feel like it's going to be even better. Personally feel like it doesn't need much in ways of revisions naturally being your work you may feel differently when you do look into revisions. However, I feel like you have something really good here it's literally either a finished masterpiece needing little to no revisions or pretty decent foundation to make even better. I'm good whatever happens because based on the books I have already read by you I just know it's going to be worth the read.
So wonderful. I absolutely love the way you tell a story
Such a GREAT story! I am sad to see it end, but looking forward to the published version, no matter when it happens! I'll be here for the crowdfunder, even if all I can contrubite is the cost of a single book. This makes me want to run out and grab Citadel even more! But there are a couple books in line ahead of it that I've been saving up for. 🙃
I LOVED reading this. Can't wait to start the others. I volunteer for the Beta reading and Yes a Pre-sale I would do that too.
And if there was a pre-sale link any where I'd be slappin it like a... big ol' slpping thing (YOU'RE the writer!)
I'm no editor, love to be a beta reader (I won't fan boi, honest!). Do you need a theme song????
That was amazing, this will be almost as good as Citadel
Love this and cant wait to see the final version😍
You found the perfect ending line to Bob's rescue. Please keep it even if it has to go in a sequel.
I loved reading this and your insights in to your process. I'm looking forward to the next version that we get to see. (I think I'm learning more from "watching" you than in my last couple of classes.)
Excellent! A fine end to a great story - one that will now be revised, rewritten, changed, molded into a new and better shape (A extremely difficult task, as it's already so good!), and published. Sent with well-wishes, and a gentle admonishment to GET BUSY!
Sad that it's over, but excited to see how it changes for the revision! (*note to self: Find out how to become a professional beta reader...*)
You are a fantastic writer loved reading this story.
Can't wait to see how it changes this was so good
Definitely feels like a cliffhanger, but in a good way. Love it.
Yay!! Loved reading this!