Publishing is a one-step-at-a-time process. It’s also a journey of a thousand steps, with a quicksteps, side shuffles, pirouettes and leaps scattered throughout!

(Lately I’ve been imagining it much like the Charleston dance, though that might have more to do with my YouTube research than my musing over publication).

Since writing an outline of these steps (read my previous post here) I have discovered EVEN MORE, yes, that’s right, there’s MORE, that I didn’t previously include. That’s the nature of learning, I suppose! Something new every day.

What step am I up to? Why, I’m glad you asked! I have taken a conscious backpedal , after some reflection and realisation that I was adding a little too much to my plate. I have no deadlines, except those I’ve set myself, and (to continue the dancing metaphor) I’ve already jeté’d those goals. Piling up pressure isn’t sustainable, and I refuse to burn out.

I keep telling myself:

I have refocussed and here’s where I’m up to:

My adult manuscript, my Big Book, is nearly done. Just two more scenes and she’s all wrapped up. The aim is to have her completed and shining by Christmas, then next year she’s off to the editors. She’s been read in chunks by some super enthusiastic betas whose feedback has been invaluable thus far, and who are dying to know the ending!

My kids book? Well, it’s full steam ahead! It’s been to an editor and I’m almost finished tweaking it before submitting to agents. This one has also been through the beta readers (kids, parents and teachers) and I’m so proud of it. The editor’s feedback was full of praise and filled me with confidence.

I’ve been reading, reading, reading! Learning a lot about the industry through articles, webinars and groups. There is SO much to learn, but it’s such a thrilling prospect, and I’m loving it!

Well, I’d best be off. Much more to do before I go Christmas Tree hunting this afternoon!

Feature image credit: 22 Fabulous Vintage Photos of Shoes and Hosiery Fashions From the 1920s ~ Vintage Everyday