Guest Post
MY EDITING PROCESS
By Joni Parker
My book, “Gossamer,” was published in December, so I thought I’d provide the editing process for the book I’m working on now called, “Noble Magic,” the fourth book in the “Chronicles of Eledon” series. Fortunately, I already had a draft of it, but there were several changes in the editing process of “Gossamer” that impacted “Noble Magic.” Before I forgot what they were, I changed them. Then I read through the manuscript twice out loud and two more times silently before I sent it to my editor in late January for the first round of editing.
In early March, I got the manuscript back with a number of corrections to make. Not only does my editor look at the content, she also gives me some help with grammar and punctuation, so I get two jobs for one. I made the corrections and read the manuscript out loud again at least twice and more times silently and sent it back to my editor in late March for a second round of editing.
The manuscript came back to me in late May with more corrections to make, including a recommendation for an epilogue. I’d never written one before so I scrambled a little. I came up with one and sent it to my editor for a quick review. She liked the second draft. Whew!
I just finished reading my book out loud again for the third time this round. My throat is a sore and I need a break—my house needs cleaning. I still found a few changes to make, but I do like the story. It has a lot of action and flows well. After this reading, I think it’s ready to be published. However, if I had some additional concerns, I wouldn’t hesitate to send it through another round of editing.
I use this editing process for all of my books—at least two rounds with a good editor. Understand that each round costs me money. Yes, it can be expensive, but I feel I owe it to my readers to get it right and it’s taught me a lot about writing. Over the years, my writing’s improved, thanks to my editor, and I’ve even won some awards. The first book of “The Chronicles of Eledon” series called “Spell Breaker” was selected as a 2016 Book Excellence Award Finalist and the second book in the series, “The Blue Witch,” was a 2017 International Book Award Finalist. “Gossamer” is my latest effort and I hope you enjoy it.
About the Book
Title: Gossamer: The Chronicles of Eledon Book 3
Author: Joni Parker
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Lady Alexin, Eledon’s Keeper of the Keys must continue to prove her powers when her grandmother, Lady Lestin and her friend, Lady Opaline of the Gossamer Elves are kidnapped by rebels and held for ransom. Alex attempts a daring rescue, only to discover that there is far more to this plot that she immediately suspected and the betrayal extends to the highest levels of the High Council of Elders. Threatened by rebel factions, suspected by Council members and under attack by deadly spiders, the young warrior has only her wits, her fighting skills and the powers of the Keys to help her. But will they be enough to save them all?
Author Bio
When I was younger, I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. Part of my reason for dropping out of college was because I didn’t know what to major in. I was envious of my sister who knew from an early age, she was going to major in math. Good for her, but math was the last subject on my mind. I joined the Navy and found a track I liked. I became a photographer. I covered local news items, accidents, and even shot portraits. It was fun, but not a career path. When I got out of the Navy, I wanted to finish college but I was lost again. What to major in? I chose accounting because all businesses needed it and I went on to get my Bachelor’s and an MBA. After working in the field for a year, I went back in the Navy and asked for any assignment other than accounting. It worked. After 22 years in the Navy, I retired. My husband and I moved into our motorhome and hit the road. Unfortunately, he passed away and I went back to work at a government job. Then I found writing. I hadn’t written a thing since I was 14 but I was smitten by the bug and have been writing ever since. “Gossamer” is the sixth book I’ve had published and is the third book in a four book series, “The Chronicles of Eledon.” Hope you enjoy it. I had fun writing it.
Links
Website/blog: http://www.theblackelf.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJoniParker
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParkerJoni
Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+JoniParker/posts
Amazon link for “Gossamer”: Amazon
Editor Charlene 
Thanks for hosting my book. I enjoyed doing the guest post for your blog. I never really think about my editing process anymore; I just do it.