[Maark Abbott]

Old log is gone. As it had excerpts I decided (on advice) to remove it entirely (cheers Cat of Nihilism).

So. I'm presently 50 pages into the initial edit; already found a couple sections within the first chapter that needed a look. The plan is to ensure continuity and that everything is accurate. I've also drawn up some little pictograms that I need to go into Paint and doodle up so that people can see the symbols I'm describing as they're meant to be.

[Maark Abbott]

110 pages in (just under 1/6th).

In case anyone cares, the page count is roughly 670 (which includes title pages and what there is so far of the glossary). At this pace and with basically all my spare time going into it, there seems to be no reason at all that the first draft won't be completely prepared for my proof readers to have their copies by a week tomorrow. That's the aim, anyway.

[Andorion]

Its so great to see you are actually close to finishing a book. Following your example I have actually given more thought to a story of my own. Now all I need is the time to set it down

Seriously though, its been pretty inspirational

[Maark Abbott]

Glad to hear I'm counting it as finished now, though I'm still plowing on with the edits (I have like 8 hours tomorrow where I can do them). I'm actually a little impatient to get it to my proofreaders and a bit annoyed at myself as Gollancz SF currently have an 'accepting unagented submissions' programme that ends on the 22nd - had I pulled my finger out of my arse in November/December I might have been ready to submit it. That said, I want this done right and I won't rush it*.

*but it'll still be out before TWOW

[Andorion]

Maark, on 15 January 2016 - 06:18 PM, said:

Glad to hear I'm counting it as finished now, though I'm still plowing on with the edits (I have like 8 hours tomorrow where I can do them). I'm actually a little impatient to get it to my proofreaders and a bit annoyed at myself as Gollancz SF currently have an 'accepting unagented submissions' programme that ends on the 22nd - had I pulled my finger out of my arse in November/December I might have been ready to submit it. That said, I want this done right and I won't rush it*.

*but it'll still be out before TWOW

And judging by the last two will probably be a better read as well

[Maark Abbott]

I can't argue with that been reading through and I'm pretty proud of it actually. Even had to step away once because the subject matter got too heavy. The missus is constantly rolling her eyes at my exhalations.

[Maark Abbott]

Up to about page 490. This is predictably the area where continuity edits are needed; as well as this, a few additions so the timeline makes more sense.

[Maark Abbott]

Draft it proofed. Oh my.

[Maark Abbott]

Right. It's time to ascend as though I were Charles XII of Sweden. If any of you guys act as an agent for publishers or are a publisher, I would be most interested to talk with you.

[Gredfallan Ale]

I'm not, but I am interested in ordering a copy once you've found a way to publish it.

Good luck!

[Tatterdemalion]

I knew I would find crossover between this place and the Facebook group.

But WHO and WHERE and WHAT ARE THEIR SECRET NAMES?

Yours is easy. Hope you can make your book become a reality, Maark! Remember that the key is patience: I sent mine to 17 agents and I think two got back to me to say no. Then I edited again. And edited again. And two years later got into the proper channels more by chance than determination. Then I edited again. You think it's fine, go away a month, read it again and - EDITING. Such is life. Keep on it. Give yourself long timelines.

Joel.

[Maark Abbott]

Thanks Joel I may take the track Sean (Rodden) did, which is if I get nowhere, self-publish on Kindle / physical and see about drumming up interest that way. Also good to see you're on the Mother Board as well!

[Maark Abbott]

Rejected by Sanderson's guy. Predictable? Yup. Ah well.

More submissions have gone out. Hopefully I'll get a bite.

[Maark Abbott]

Posted in WMYH, but another query sent to someone looking specifically for stuff within my genre. As you'd imagine I was on it like a car bonnet. With a sponge. And a bikini.

[Maark Abbott]

As per 'making you happy' in the Inn, I may have some news to share soon.

Not confirmed, but...

[Tatterdemalion]

I don't envy you the pitching.
It's like job hunting with your child at stake.

[Maark Abbott]

To be honest, waiting for certain articles is much more torturous.

I think I got four hours of sleep last night because as I was drifting off I dreamed said thing arrived and I got all excited and then couldn't sleep.

[Maark Abbott]

Right.

We're 60 pages into the draft for Book II.

Here we go again; no rest for the wicked.

[Maark Abbott]

Book 2 progress:

Opening 4 chapters are pretty much done.

I have about six chapters on the go which take place towards the end of the book. We have an airship battle, a siege, and a duel between demigods.

I'm having fun with this one.

[Maark Abbott]

OK, so progress on Manifest understandably slowed what with Incarnate falling through in terms of release.

However I am now in the process of submitting queries to agents, so we'll see. In the meantime I'm still doing a little on Manifest each day.