Gollancz has sent through the proofs for Steeple, my second novel and the sequel to Barricade. It’s exciting to find the fat envelope arrive in the post tray, but it does make me wonder how other authors have their proofs delivered – I mean my books are short affairs (so far), yet this is quite a wodge to fit into Her Majesty’s post box. How do writers like Mieville or Rothfuss have their proofs delivered? By elephant?
It’s a scary experience. This, after all, is my very last chance to make changes, and it’s certain that major alterations (such as changing the ending) would be frowned upon by the publisher at this stage.
So it was that I turned the pages with some trepidation last night. It’s been a few months since I last read Steeple – on the final, final, final draft, working through the night, finishing with sunrise and morning Muzzer chorus – and I was worried on this proof reading that some colossal continuity howler might present itself, or more importantly, that I simply wouldn’t enjoy it.
I’m glad to report that things, so far, are progressing well. It’s particularly gratifying to find that the beginning still works, and that the characters make me smile. At this stage simply enjoying the story on my own terms is a victory in itself.
Being a superstitious sort, I am a little concerned that the act of writing this blog tempts fate; that expressing confidence is a sure recipe for disaster further down the line. But hang all that. I like it, and I hope you will too.
Steeple is coming out in June. Keep your good eye open for it on Amazon and elsewhere!
Can’t wait to get one shipped to NYC!