A bounty hunter is shipwrecked by a wanted scientist who controls telepaths and berserkers and merely requests his allegiance. Breaking free may cost him his sanity, his life, and the fate of his home planet.
[Editor's note: My podcast interview with Justin Macumber is now up. AudioTim Episode 29: Justin Macumber and his publisher, David Wood, discuss Justin’s debut SF novel, HAYWIRE]
Today has been bittersweet for more than one reason, but I’m trying to focus on the sweet, so here’s the good news: I finished the 3rd Draft of Kaimerus Deception! If you head over to my Works In Progress page, you can read more about it. The history behind this accomplishment is this is the second novel I’ve ever finished. The first was a 115k Fantasy novel that I trunked after an editing course pretty much told me it needed rewritten. Between finishing that book’s first draft and concluding to trunk it, I wrote the first draft of Kaimerus Deception. Eight months after that I began the editing/changing process of fixing the beginning only to keep less than a thousand words of that first draft’s 115k. I finished the 2nd draft rewrite just before Christmas in a much cleaner 73k words.
I was nervous about editing the 2nd draft because both attempts at editing a novel led to a complete rewrite. After this rewrite and shortening it by nearly 45k words I felt more confident that the holes were minor enough that patch work instead of back to the drawing board was in order. I wrote a few blog posts about my note taking and preparation for the next step (3rd Draft: Week One, Keeping it Simple; 3rd Draft: Week Ten, Seeking Professional Editing). The funny part is, after concluding to pay a professional editor for a manuscript evaluation, I had a much easier time editing. I went through the 2nd draft polishing up the prose and fixing minor plot holes, and barely even looked at the notes I spent nearly a month taking. I’m thankful that God gave me a mind to remember what needed changed, because that made that process a little more fun.
So, today I sent the manuscript in to the editor. This is a big step for me because it is the first time I’ve produced a novel someone can read. I suppose people could have read my first novel, but they would have been scratching their heads for most of it. I understand that my editor is probably going to suggest some rewriting (I say “probably” with my tongue firmly bit between my cheek), but it feels good to have fixed it to the best of my abilities. As I mention in the “Week Ten” link above, I’m scheduled to have the manuscript fixed according to her edits and returned by July for a full edit. If all goes as planned, I should be submitting this novel before the end of 2012.
Also, tomorrow is the last day to win a free ebook from Evolved Publishing. My giveaway only requires you having reviewed one of their titles.
Wow, this is quite the step, can’t believe it’s with the editor for the first pass!
Tim, thank you so much for the mention! That really means a lot to me. But please, don’t say it’s “much better” than yours. Never undermine your own work. Others will be happy to do that for you, so don’t do it yourself. We’re all learning and growing, so keep those shoulders back and head up. No more self doubt!
Anyway, thanks again, and I loved talking with you. It was a lot of fun. Your interview was the first time my editor was asked to come on, and I think it made the conversation all the more interesting and informative. Good job!
Thanks, Justin. It wasn’t as much a “woe is me” reflection, but an observation of talented description I strive for. Of course, you’re farther along than I am because of having editorial help.
I too had a great time. I’m glad David could come on. Glad I could present the opportunity for him to talk you up a little.
After reading the book, do you still feel like my book is “much better” than yours?
There are many aspects that I’d say yours has me beat, but I’ll give myself credit for not having anyone help me edit yet. For example, your ending had a few more twists than mine does, but I expect my Evil Catbert editor will make sure it’s in tip top shape before it’s finished and submitted. I was also impressed by your various characters having their arcs completed so nicely; I left some of mine out to dry for the sequel… we’ll see what Catbert says about that too.
The story isn’t done until it goes to the presses, and even then you can make adjustments if you have to. No work of art is really ever finished, only abandoned. I was fortunate to have people I trusted to help me make this story so much better than it ever would have been on my own. I know your editor will give you that same benefit. Good luck with it, Tim! I look forward to seeing the final product.