Sunday, February 1, 2009

The ARC of LEADEN SKIES is IN!


What else is there to say?? Holding the ARC (Advanced Readers Copy, otherwise known as an uncorrected proof) in my hands makes this all real. The story and characters I've dreamt about and sweated over are no longer just bits in my mind or files in the computer, but captured in a bound copy for others to read.

I don't know if folks who have umpty-ump books under their belts get the same jolt as I do on receiving their ARCs, but it's a funny feeling. A combination of "wow!" and "last chance!" as this is my last chance to make corrections and teeny changes.

Time to "clear the decks" as much as possible at home and work so I can give it the eyeball. Alas, I was too late to get my Author's Note included in the ARC, but at least it'll make it into the final book itself. And, the ARC has Michael Greer's lovely map of Leadville and drawing of the Silver Queen Saloon!

9 comments:

Morgan Mandel said...

That's a cute picture. You must be very excited. Calm down and check for those pesky little typos,etc. now.

Morgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I get the same rush when I receive a galley proof of the children's books I illustrate. It really does feel a lot like you describe.

Dani said...

Cool and cool! Working on your reading ?s now. Also, did you get the magazine I sent you that had the Iron Ties write-up? Via Gayle Gresham? I have a story to tell you about that.

Dani
http://blogbooktours.blogspot.com

Ann Parker said...

Thanks all! I'm just doing my last edits of the Author's Note (augh!), then I'm going to clear my messy desk (I shoved all the papers onto my lap and the floor for the photo) and clear my mind for the ARC readthrough.

Dani: I got a link from Gayle, but the link didn't take me near anything near a book review, only the current issue (the review was in a past issue). Can you help me? A pdf or a direct link or something? And, what's your story??

Jane Kennedy Sutton said...

I know that feeling! Congratulations!

Jane Kennedy Sutton
Author of The Ride
http://janekennedysutton.blogspot.com/

Elizabeth Loupas said...

Woo-hoo! Congratulations, Ann!

Camille Minichino said...

I don't know if 12 is "umpety ump" but now I just dread having to read the thing again!

No less happy about your new one, however! Looking forward to hitting the trail with you (uh oh I'm pickin' up your dialect!)

Ann Parker said...

Thanks, all!
I set my spouse to reading it first. A detail kinda guy, he'll be sure to catch any little typos and things like that...

Anonymous said...

I have a little collection of ARCs from new authors, because they remind me that once every author felt just what you described. It all starts with the first one.

-Krista