Writing the series - Q&A on progress

So, the first book in the series, Rise of the Bane is in draft form. What does that mean for you, the possible readers? Answer: It means I have about three to six months work left to complete the book to a level I am ready to publish.

Why does it take so long to complete, you might well ask? Answer: the draft is about 60 chapters long in total, so a bit of a beast. This equates to around 500+ pages, so quite a long book. Each chapter takes a day to revise in edit, for a single run-through. So for a single edit sweep for the book, it takes about 2 months, just to do all chapters once.

But is that the end to editing a book, one complete run-through? Answer: No, not only does the writer have to edit out all the grammar and typo edits, but more importantly, there is a need to look at character development, plot changes, look at what they call the 'beats' of a book (just means rising tension points to keep the book flowing for the reader).

Is that it, fix the book errors and publish? Answer: Sadly not. The is a need to sort out beta reader views, format the book, commission cover art and if (as I intend for this book - self-publish) for release, decide where to market and release it (e-book, print on demand or even audio book options). So for the reader, the wait is longer than you might like, for the writer, the wait is way longer than they would like.

Can the process be speeded up? Answer: Yes, but only by foregoing home life and working continuously on the books. As an author with a life outside of writing, it means the work is slower than you would like but progress is happening.

Has the second book been scoped out? Answer: Yes, I have a plot for the second book already underway, in tandem with the editing process for book one. The start and end of the second book is already clear to me, the only issue is how the book gets there. The characters often decide for themselves what should happen and they can reshape the story, which makes plotlines change as the writing progresses.

How many books will this series be? Answer: Currently the series is intended to be a story arc of three books. However, there will be spin off shorts and maybe separate books in the world of Harbinger Six, but not directly connected to the main story arc itself.