As a reader kindly reminded me this week, it has been too long since I’ve posted an update on the status of book 4. I’ve been trying to put as much as possible on the back burner, including posting here, while I push to finish the book. So here’s where I am on it.
Short version: I’m in good position to finish writing The Long Hunt by the end of September. Then the draft will go to my group of volunteer editors, who will read it and give me their feedback and suggestions on the story itself, plus corrections of typographical errors, missed words, etc. that I did not catch first time around.
The next step will be my review of the manuscript, in light of the comments I receive, and I’ll make any revisions I think necessary. I have not, on the first three books, needed to do extensive revisions, so I anticipate this stage of the process shouldn’t take too long. Also during this stage will be the another proof reading by me for typographical errors
Once the manuscript is in its final form, then the process of turning it into a book begins. I’ll need to come up with a cover design, working with my friend, computer wizard, and fellow author Luc Reid, who has helped me create the new covers for the first three books. I’ll need to format the book in Amazon’s Kindle format, and Luc will format first the print and then the EPub e-book versions—Epub is the format used by all e-book distributors except Amazon. Each version must be carefully proof read, to ensure that during formatting typographical errors did not get created.
My goal is to release the print and Kindle versions simultaneously, and follow with e-book versions for Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and other distribution networks as quickly thereafter as the EPub version can be finalized.
These steps all take time—lots of time—but barring some unforeseen disaster, we’re in very good position to get book 4 of the Strongbow Saga out to readers in 2013.
Once the actual writing is finished—hopefully in just a few weeks—I’ll post again, and talk a little about the story, and where the series is going.
I’m just so glad that there will be a printed version, even if it takes a little longer, because that’s how I much prefer to read my books. 🙂
I definitely want to make print copies available, too. of the entire series. They are somewhat more difficult to set up, and considerably more expensive to produce, so the book will cost more in its print version, but there are many who, like you, prefer print books. I prefer print for my research library on the Vikings.
Great news! I have so hoped for a continuation of your series. My sister and I both. Following your updates on Goodreads.
Thanks, Gabbie.
Just wondering if there will be a preorder once you are closer to release to judge demand. I’m looking forward to this book and have no problems ordering in advance. That way I usually end up with the book on my kindle instead of six months later remembering that it was supposed to come out Fall/Winter 2013
With the Kindle edition, the book will go live within 24 hours after I upload the file to Amazon, and there’s no way an e-book can sell out.
But as the book moves toward its publication over the next few months, I will keep posting status updates, and will post, in advance, the date it should become available. If possible, I’d like to release the print book at roughly the same time as the Kindle version, but if it looks like the print version has issues that may cause significant delays, I’ll go ahead and release the Kindle edition first.
Stop responding to well wishers and write man!! Jason Born’s Viking series will only tide me over for so long and then I must go into beserker mode and raid the nearest monastery! Cheers.
Spended news! I’ve been waiting for the fourth book to release for many years. Now I’m going to read the series from the beginning to get a good refresher on Halfdans journey.
Thanks, Patrick.
This is great news, I love your books and have been waiting and hoping for more. You are a very good author, your hard work and good research can be seen and is appreciated –V
Thanks, Vince.
Hi Jud, I am also looking forward to your new book.
May
Thanks, Mary (or is it May?).
Great news! I’m looking forward to the next book.
Thanks, Kim.
This is great news!!! To be honest i am sure i am not alone in having been a bit worried in the lack of news / silence. However, in light of the above i now have a book to look forward to buying real soon!!
Just been working hard; not silent because I’m dead 😉
glad to hear it as i am hoping for at least books five and six in the saga too!!
That is awesome to hear! 🙂
Thanks, Amy.