I am one step closer.
By patgalca
@patgalca (18201)
Orangeville, Ontario
April 4, 2007 11:38pm CST
Tonight I finally finished what I hope will be the last edit of my novel (edit number 5). I have a friend who says she will read the whole manuscript for me. I really need someone to take an objective look at it. I have become too close to the story to see anything that might sound off.
Now I have the awful task of printing this sucker (52,555 words - close to 300 pages) on my ancient, squeaky, inkjet printer - one chapter at a time, no doubt. After my friend looks it over and I look it over AGAIN, I will make whatever necessary changes and then submit to the agent. I may actually be ahead of schedule. Hurray!
6 people like this
9 responses
@beaniefanatic13 (5076)
• Grand Junction, Colorado
5 Apr 07
Pat I just wanted to say congratulations and wish you much success with your novel. I know that a lot of hard work goes into writing and would love for you to come back and tell us all of your great success with your novel. :)
As for your ancient printer have you thought of transferring it onto a disk and having it printed from that? You could have another friend do it or maybe even one of the office store that do a lot of printing. Just a suggestion. I don't know how much or how your finances are but just a suggestion. Could even be cheaper in some cases than having to buy a new ink cartridge. Especially since you would just be putting it plain whit paper.
What type of novel is it? I love to read? :)
Best of luck to you!
@patgalca (18201)
• Orangeville, Ontario
5 Apr 07
Thanks Beanie! I have a bit of a dilemma right now. My computer tower is dying. I can't save anything on CD's. The novel is too big for diskette. I have had to save it on my hard drive and also email it to myself in case my computer crashes. I have bought a new computer but can't hook it up for a couple of weeks as my husband is getting a deal on Microsoft Office 2003 at work. I need that to access WORD. I have had friends do it for me in the past but they didn't charge me anything and I feel bad about that.
The novel is in the genre of general women's fiction. I won't go into further details at this time. You will all hear about it when it gets published. Not if, when.
2 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (45716)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
5 Apr 07
Oh, that's great! Great that you're finished, great that you have someone to proofread for you, great that you're ahead of schedule. All that great stuff! And when your hubby finally sees the published result he will realize that you are not doing "nothing".
Salut!
2 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (45716)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
5 Apr 07
Did you not get an advance?
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
5 Apr 07
Congratulations Pat! I envy anyone who can put words to paper. What is your novel about?
@patootie (3592)
•
12 Apr 07
Well done and congratulations ..!
I think you should buy a new printer for the occasion though .. the more professional the final book looks the more likely you will get it accepted .. printers can be bought for very low amounts .. or maybe you could even ask a company to do a print for you .. shouldn't cost an arm and a leg and they would package it all properly for you too ..
@patgalca (18201)
• Orangeville, Ontario
12 Apr 07
I had two copies printed out at Staples Business Depot for $30. If I sell this book in this year, I could probably use that as a deduction. I always said when I sell my first book I will buy a laser printer. Hopefully that will be sooner rather than later.
@tess1960 (2385)
• United States
5 Apr 07
Oh pat, I am so proud of you. I can't imagine staying on one subject for that long. My adult ADD wo0uld kick in and I'd have several stories in one. Hey, that's a soap opers, ok so maybe I could give it a try.
Anyways, Good luck with your final proofing and do give us some details about the book. What type of story it is and all. Let us know how it goes with the publisher too.
I agree with the other responder, do put t on disk and take it somewhere to get copied. The disk would be a good backup and the more pages printed the cheaper the cost so it could cost as li=ttle as a penny a page, maybe less. It sure would prevent the headache and hassle of doing it yourself.
Good Luck and god speed!
2 people like this
@edgarblythe (14)
• United States
8 Apr 07
I wish you every success. Not to rain on your parade in any way, but the length of a novel is about 90,000 words, and often more. I'm not sure who will handle a work that short.
@patgalca (18201)
• Orangeville, Ontario
9 Apr 07
From my research I have learned that first time novels should be around the 50,000 word mark. The very first novel I wrote is actually 125,000+ words but needs more editing. Really, I don't think it matters. There is such a thing as a novella.
@linda345 (2661)
• Canada
6 Apr 07
Congratulations. I can't wait until you are offically published. I can sorta say I know a author. I want an autographed copy. I will buy one and mail it too your fan club. I am sure you are going to have great success and I can't wait to read it. Actually, you would be the second person I know to get published. A friend of mine, published a book of poems about 8 years ago.
@all4ucnc (861)
• United States
14 Apr 07
Congrats!!! I wish you all the luck... I finished my first novel of 77,450 words just last month, and I have been submitting queries to agents, but haven't had a bite yet, I just keep thinking positive, and look forward to seeing my characters in print.... I can't wait for your to be published as well....Keep us updated on your progress.
@uramit2003 (898)
• India
9 Apr 07
oh u were busy completing ur novel..that is why u were not here for sometime..i really searched for ur discussions in which there were no recent ones in discussions my friens started..
First of all congratulations for ur accomplishment.It is really hard work to get to write and that too a novel..hope we get it soon in market.
All the best to you
