In a Foreign Land is the second book in the In Search of Freedom series. The first book is titled Other Side of the River.
In a Foreign Land was released at the end of January through CreateSpace (print) and KDP (digital). I have to say this book release was easier on my nerves than any others to date. Firstly, it is independently published, so I set my own timeline and it happens when I’m ready for it. Secondly, I learned which parts of the publishing process I need to hire out.
I was able to come to a very mutually beneficial agreement for editing with my friend and colleague, Marcia Laycock of Small Pond Press. Marcia read through my manuscript with eagle eyes and gave me feedback in a short time-turnaround.
Then I sent the document to Rik Hall of Wild Seas Formatting for the…wait for it…formatting! In record time, he sent me the PDF for CreateSpace and the MOBI for Kindle Direct Publishing. Rik works quickly and is always willing to make corrections that I’ve overlooked or changed my mind on.
The cover, which I love, was created by Fred Koop of Fred Koop Design. He designed all three covers for this series at the outset, so they are ready for the ISBN, barcode and back cover copy when each book is completed.
Knowing I have these professionals to step up to the plate for me is very freeing. Yes, it costs me some cash, but it’s worth every penny, and I know the result will be professional too.
Now for the difficult part: starting the next book. I have the characters, the backstories, the probable ending, but there is so much to research and consider and build. I’m working through C.S. Lakin’s The 12 Key Pillars of Novel Construction in an effort to create more effectively and efficiently. I’ll let you know how this works out.
You can read the first chapter of In a Foreign Land on my blog, and purchase it at Amazon.ca and Amazon.com.
If you read In a Foreign Land, I’d be forever grateful if you’d leave a brief review. That’s one of the most valuable things you can do for an author.
Thanks,
Jan
Congratulations, Jan! I’ve just bought it and can’t wait to begin reading.
Thanks, Deb. Enjoy.
Great, Jan. A comprehensive and complete analysis. It IS a good feeling, isn’t it, to have done it all oneself – with the help of caring professionals!
Talk to you soon. Dee
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Yes, it’s cool to see it through all the stages and come out as hoped. Thanks, Dee, for your continued support.
Congrats! Great covers! All the best with this series!
Thanks, Heather. It can be a bumpy road, but we keep going b/c the sights along the way are great and the outcome is rewarding. Blessings to you too.
Congratulations, Jan! It is such a well told story and the book is so professionally put together. Good work all the way around. I’m very happy for you!
Thanks so much for your kind comments, Loretta. I look forward to seeing your books out there as well.
Congratulations! My your patience and persistence be well rewarded. Plus you’re setting a great example for the rest of us. 🙂
Thanks, Chris. I appreciate your kind words. You’ve set an example too, with your own books.
Congrats, Janice. you are so brave, publishing this on your own. Sounds like you had some good people helping you out. I like the cover too!
Pam M.
Yes, some wonderful, talented people were a huge part of this. Glad you like the cover; so do I.