An update...
Not much was done over the Summer - as planned.
However the publisher and I have been back at it since September.
The text has been edited once more. No changes of real substance, basically a few dozen "stylistic" word changes. All 107 stories remain essentially as written almost a year ago. With the text now "put to bed" internal layout and design has begun.
Photo selection is complete - including the author's photo. (For closure sake - re thread in Photography section - one of Zing's has been chosen!)
Cover design is proceeding. Publisher is going with an expired-copyright work of art. I kinda like his choice; with but a little thought it suits the book's overall theme nicely.
ISBN numbers will soon be assigned to the print and e-versions.
I've registered the domain
http://www.jeffmackwood.com and an "under construction" page is posted. I've storyboarded how I want the site and I'll flesh it out once the book's release is closer at hand. I'd debated whether to make the web site book-centric or not, but in the end I've decided to start with me being the "brand" - with the first expression of that brand being
Most of These Stories Are Somewhat True. It would then not be inappropriate to populate the web site with other content in future, in keeping with that brand.
Speaking of release date, I remain hopeful that copies will be available in time for Christmas (this year!) but, as previously posted, that could slide into next year.
I've been looking into a variety of ways to promote the book locally once it is released. I'm not averse to the more traditional readings and signings, which I will do, but I've got some other ideas more in keeping with me, my brand. Here's a couple of to-be-fleshed-out ideas. Let me know what you think.
1. I'm going to offer a personalized delivery and home reading service. For the price of the book, plus the equivalent cost of postage, I will show up at an Ottawa home, read a story of my choosing, and sign the copy of the book. I'll read an extra story for every book bought, so people can gather together neighbours, card club members, etc. It won't make money, but coupled with local news coverage it will generate interest and awareness in the book, and that could lead to increased online sales.
2. I'm going to offer to do free visits and readings at seniors' homes. I've been wanting to do more such volunteer work and the book becomes a tool to get me doing it. I have musician friends who go in and do sing-alongs etc.; I think providing some entertainment and laughs for the residents through story telling would work as well.
Regards.
Jeff