When I announced the release date for THE REVENGE OF VENUS, I knew there would be an outcry. While waiting a year in the traditional publishing world is the expectation, indie authors are known to put out books much more quickly.
So why is it taking me so long to release this final book?
Because I determine deadlines that empower success, not rush and restrict it.
“Success” means different things to different people, but here is what I aim for with every book:
1. Quality above quantity.
I work slowly, because when I work quickly, I tend to miss things. Knowing this means that I have to choose between one great book or several okay books. I choose one great book.
2. Critique from 10+ people.
Involving more people in the process always slows things down, especially since I try my hardest to not overburden my editors and readers with tight deadlines. But every person who provides feedback makes the story that much stronger, and it is always worth it to me.
3. Make space for big changes.
Sometimes to make the book the best it can be means making some big changes to the manuscript. Reworking characters, rewriting entire sections, adjusting plot points all take extra time to execute well, but I never go into a book thinking I will get it all right the first try.
4. Prevent burnout.
I aim to play the long game with my authorship career. I want to write books until I die. So that means creating a pace that is sustainable for a lifetime of writing, not just a few years. For me, that means not treating every book like a race.
5. Leave room to live life.
There is more to my life than writing and books. I am not just a storyteller, but a wife, a dog mom, a daughter, an aunt, a friend, and above all, a believer. While I love telling stories, it must fit in with my other roles, not supersede them.
The release date for TROV was determined using these goals and a framework based on a traditional publishing schedule. Want to see how it all breaks down? Just scroll down!
While you wait for TROV, I hope you will be reading so many good books and making so many amazing memories that September 7, 2027 will be here before you know it!
