It's true that the title of this blog does not look like anything to do with historical fiction, but the equilibrium between wildlife and humanity was not always so precarious as it is now. Finding the balance which existed at the time you're writing can be a very useful tool to setting a believable background for your writing. So here are a few mammal considerations... Wild mammals were everywhere - they still are, in fact! Whether you're writing about the middle of a city or the middle of nowhere, it should be a given that these animals will influence life. As well as the obvious and frequently maligned rats and mice, other mammals have cohabited our cities with us. Foxes have always had a partially urban existence, and the building of cities on waterways also often lead to otters and (depending on how far inland they were) seals being resident. Mankind knew how to find wild mammals - there is a continuous development in the scientific study of our wild mammals and this...
Anyone who writes is a writer but, in my humble opinion, you need to be published to be an author. This may be a contentious view to some, and I'm sorry if your offended. If it's any consolation, self-publishing counts. If fact, I'm writing this blog with self-publishing in mind.
When you publish your own books, you have to be on top of everything. Not only are you writing the book, you organise the editing, you organise the marketing and publicity. And don't get me started on distribution! It is enough to drive the most sane person mad!
So, to get all of this done, it's important to set yourself realistic goals. You could say you would get everything in a month, but you'll burn out pretty quick.
If you have a book you'd like to publish, here is my calendar for publication. There are a couple of points to make first, however.
1) I work best under pressure. If you don't, add on a couple of months to the timeline!
2) If you'd like to try and get your book featured in national channels like newspaper, you need to add at least six months onto the timeline. Personally, I don't worry too much about this because the chances of newspapers picking up a small indie book are slim to none!
So, with those in mind, here's my ideal timeline...
Five months before release
- Organise a cover reveal.
- Finish your final redraft.
- Write the book blurb
Four months before release
- Do a cover reveal.
- Edit, edit, edit.
- Write a calendar for social media book-related posts.
Three months before release
- Finish the final edit, but do a proofread or two. Listening to your manuscript is a good way to pick up any typos.
- Do a book trailer and upload it to Youtube.
Two months before release
- Organise online book tour through a blog tour organiser. I'm trying out several blog tour organisers this year and will be writing a full review at the start of next year.
- Complete a final proofread of your book.
- Format your ebook and paperback.
One month before release
- Upload final manuscript to Amazon and any other distributors/online shops you'd like.
- Write guest blogs for your blog tour.
- Register ISBNs for your books.
Yes, there are many more things to do, but this is a starting put for each book that we publish.
Don't worry if you want to change the timings, or take out a point or two. It's certainly not vital that you have a book trailer, but I find it great fun to make them!
What's New With Crowvus
It's going to be a crazy mad week, but Virginia has been working away on the Hooded anthology. It is now all set and ready to go, and it'll be available as a paperback on Amazon on the 31st March. It's already available as a ebook pre-order here.
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