June 22, 2015
How I’m Doing on ‘To Hunt a Sub’
After a four-year hiatus from the first book in my Delamagente-Rowe series, I finally think I’ll get it done. I had a few interruptions–agent interest in the series’ second book, deadline for two non-fic series I write–but I think I’m going to make it this time. The short blurb for this thriller–still a work-in-progress is:
…a brilliant PhD candidate, a cynical ex-SEAL, and a quirky bot team up to stop terrorists from stealing America’s most powerful nuclear weapon, the Trident submarine.
Here’s what I did this week:
- finished the final draft. I still have the Prologue to tighten up, but that’s it. Ah, I can almost smell the scent of freshly-printed books awaiting their new owners.
- creating a short list (not my usual 101 people) of agents who might be interested. I’d love for this to work because then I don’t have to design the cover, copy edit, arrange printing–but I’m fine self-publishing. Part of what slowed this book down (and the other three I have languishing in the bottom drawer of my desk) was waiting for responses. More importantly: Hoping for acceptances that never arrived. I’m not going down that rabbit hole again.
- thought about reviewing my acknowledgements. A lot of people helped me with their knowledge of military procedures, but it’s been awhile and I need to make sure the information is still current.
- thought about the cover. I have found a few people who might be able to help with that.
- thought about a copy editor. Like the cover, I have a few names, maybe narrowed down to one. I’m crossing my fingers
- not yet thinking about marketing. Maybe that’ll show up on the next update.
- not yet thinking about a book trailer. I’ve seen some I like done with a free tool like Animoto. That’s probably the direction I’ll go if I even do this.
By this time next month, I hope to be waiting for responses from agents, starting on my next project.
More on To Hunt a Sub’s progress:
How I’m Doing on ‘To Hunt a Sub’
How I’m Doing on ‘To Hunt a Sub’
How I’m Doing on ‘To Hunt a Sub’
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman
