They have arrived! The galleys. I speak the obvious when I say – This is soooo exciting!!!
Galleys are the closest to book form that your story will reach before it actually becomes a book. I print out the pages and read critically and voraciously. As I make changes, I alternate between the feelings of excitement and nausea. My words, and the story they portray, will be out there, in the world, far from my protection, open to criticism (and dare I say acclaim?). Not unlike our babies, who grow, leave home, and become functional adults. We hope.
I want to share my cover with you, I am quite proud of it, but (and I say this with embarrassment) I’m not sure how. I also want to send a well-deserved shout out to Mimi Krumholz, creator of the blog—Waiting for the Karma Truck—who wrote a blurb for, The Moon To Play With, beautiful and poignant, that has landed itself a place on the cover of my book. The best I can do (with a little help from my son, Scott) is add the link below, which will open a new tab at the top of your computer and take you away from my post (not ideal, but look at it and return, I trust you).
With approximately 30 changes listed on a galley modification form, I wait less than patiently to receive the updated galleys with (hopefully) all the changes done correctly. Because, my creative friends, this is the last stop before the book flies into printing and distribution, from which there is no turning back.
As always, it is my intention to keep you informed and aware of the publishing saga I travel. Please feel free to ask questions, add comments and thoughts, offer advice, and share your personal experience. Although we travel the road alone, we also travel it together. Stay well, and warm.
Wendy Karasin - Musings of a Boomer 
It’s amazing! What a thing of beauty. Your front and back cover, your spine, your blurb… All sandwiching YOUR words. Can you show us your dedication and acknowledgment pages? Sooooooo exciting! Mazel Tov.
I could, if I could figure out (once again) how to do it. But, my dear Little Miss, the good news is that the book will be available sometime in the Spring, so you can see it in real life! Thanks for commenting Steph, it is amazing, and exciting. I truly appreciate your kind and uplifting words!
Spring?!! Like around May 27th?? When I will be in NYC for my son’s architectural graduation from Cooper Union? Like maybe to attend a book signing party?? Yes????
Wow! My mother’s birthday was May 28th and I was thinking, what a fitting time for my book to be released! A book signing would be awesome. Congratulations on your son’s architectural graduation! And…a great opportunity (we mustn’t treat these frivolously) to meet in the flesh! Let’s stay in touch about this!
I am SO happy for you!! (and it was my pleasure to write the blurb – it’s a great book). CONGRATULATIONS!! I can’t wait until it’s out!
That makes two of us, Mimi. I send my sincere gratitude to you for reading it, and getting the gist well enough to write a most fitting blurb. In the Spring of 2015, both of our names will appear on the cover!
This is an awesome cover. I look forward to reading the book. I know the combination of excitement and fear over the prospect of your book being published. Mine is due out on March 1 and I go between joy over knowing my work will be out there and fear that no one will buy it. 🙂
Thank you most kindly, Brenda (I appreciate the suport!). We went back and forth for a while with the covers and the title. Once I found the title that was right, the cover fell into place. I understand the excitement and fear of which you speak. Let us know when your book comes out.
You must be sooo excited! The cover looks so amazing! 🙂
Thanks, Kat – it is sooo exciting and so rewarding to hear that people like the cover! I must have told you that my nickname is Cat – kind of connects us in a way. I appreciate your taking the time to comment.
LOVE it–the new title, the cover, everything! I’m beyond pleased and excited for you; in spite of all the hurdles, you persevered and are making your dream a reality. Big hugs, my friend!
Thanks so much! You can’t imagine how much I appreciate that! You love it!!! I did persevere, a lesson to us all in making our dreams come true. I happily accept your hugs and send some back,