When You (finally) See It In Print

The excitement, exhilaration, the unexpected emotions of the finished product

The email from my formatters with the pdf proof came this morning. And the emotions that came with it overwhelmed me.

This is the fourth book I’ve published, and it doesn’t cease to amaze me, the feelings that arise when I see the book at this stage. Though it’s not quite done—there’s no final cover, and it’s not ready for pre-order—I’m overjoyed to view the interior pages the way readers will see them when they open their copy.

Years ago I set the goal for Mina’s Choice series, three books. A trilogy. So I’m in the final stretch, and it feels like the marathon is almost over. I’m thrilled that I came this far! I’m sad that this is it. The melancholy mixture fills my eyes with tears. I’m so proud of myself to have completed my goal. And oh, I learned so much about myself and about what it takes to get a book into print.

Here are some of the lessons I’ve learned.

1. I’m determined as hell to complete the task.

2. I’m fiercely committed to the process, to learning, and to improving my craft.

3. The process of writing a book, editing a book, and publishing and marketing a book gets more streamlined each time.

4. In ways, it was harder than I thought. In ways it was also easier. (more lists to come.)

5. I have a story worth sharing.

6. I love this work.

7. It might not be the end of Mina’s story

It’s certainly not the end of mine.

I can’t wait to share this book with you. It’s the columniation of my hard knocks MFA. It’s the best I’ve ever written. And I couldn’t be prouder.

How does it make you feel when you finally see your book in print? Please share in the comments.