Copy edits

Yesterday morning, I received my copy edits for this summer’s book ‘Retreat To The Lakeside Cottage’. I knew they were on the way but it still comes as a shock when you open a manuscript, which you haven’t seen for a number of weeks, and realise - wow, I wrote that!
 
I've spent all of yesterday and today rereading the manuscript, alongside the editor’s notes. A third of the book remains but fingers crossed, I’m hoping job’s a good ‘un by tomorrow. 
 
If you haven’t pieced together certain blog posts, I’ll tell you … the story is about a writers’ retreat set in Hawkshead, Cumbria. My leading ladies are Brontë, Eve and Josie staying at the cottage for a one-week experience. Josie is the housekeeper, mentioned previously in my Lakeside Cottage series, Eve is a best-selling author and Brontë a complete newbie, who ‘scribbles’ as a secret hobby – mmmm, who does she remind me of? Me!
 
Anyway, the story is full of laughter, funny quips and actual writing tips interspersed throughout. I have included a disclaimer beneath the ‘acknowledgements’ as it is not based on any other author I know or who I’ve met during a writing retreat. 

Update: Done and dusted! I finished the task on day three so sent the manuscript back to the editor. I'm taken aback by how I feel about this book. It's a story that has been brewing in my head for many years so to actually read it feels surreal. That's one of the joys of writing - I'm still surprised at seeing the fruits of your labour. I always said I'd never write a 'how to write a book' book but amongst the plot there's a wealth of information and tips for aspiring authors which would have helped the unpublished me. 

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