Thursday, October 9, 2008

Columbus Day

Ironically, since Columbus Day is Monday, I just finished my book on the discovery of America. It was a work-for-hire non-fiction project which, in equal parts, pit the an ancient tribe of paleo-Indians against Leif Eriksson and the Vikings; and Christopher Columbus. The punchline question is "Who won the race to discover America?"

I've been immersed in this stuff for 2 months. The "winners" of the race were, of course, the ancient Americans. They were here thousands of years before any Europeans. Well, duh. Right?

Imagine my chagrin, when my 5-year-old daughter comes home from school singing a song about how Christopher Columbus discovered America.

Go figure. Just wait 'til the book comes out...

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Finished! Hurray!

I just heard from my editor - she's accepting the final draft! The consultant liked what I did with the revisions -and that's it! My first book!

I won't see it again until it's in the final layout - probably having been trimmed a bit (I was a wee bit over my word count). I can't wait to see what it looks like at the end.

It's been a really great process. I've learned a lot about the subject. I hope I've learned a bit about the process - and that I'll be on the list to have more assignments.

I still can't believe it - does this mean I can return all my library books?

Finished?

Thank you to everyone who has proofread, and those who have sent kudos. It's been so helpful to get your feedback, and positive thoughts.

I think I'm finished. My editor has tentatively accepted the text, and we're just waiting to hear back one last time from the consultant on the details. The next time I see it, it will look a lot more like a book! I can't believe it's done! I really can't wait to see the end result, but it may be a couple of months.

I'll be sure to keep you all updated!

Friday, October 3, 2008

3rd Draft

I'm really happy with the response from the editor - she was very happy with the sections on the Vikings and Columbus. I don't feel like quite the imposter I did at the beginning.

Unfortunately, I have to rewrite the entire text of the Paleo-Indians, or rather ancient Americans. We're talking coastal route, rather than land bridge. I've got some great suggestions from our consultant, though, and I think it will be fine in the end.

It's actually due back to the editor on Columbus Day. How ironic. Hmm.

I so hope that there will be other assignments after this - I am having fun!