Hello!
I hope things are good where you are.
Where did April go? This blog is later in the month than usual, because I have been absolutely swamped with preparations for the launch of Fyn Carter and the Legends from Atlantis, which is released on 8th May 2025 (TEN DAYS away as I write this!).
It has been a crazy time. I forgot about the range of emotions that can sneak in during the build up to a book launch. It’s very exciting, but there are all the nerves too. It’s scary stuff, trying to ensure I’m ready for launch and to know people will… read… my… book! Although, of course, people reading the book is a goal, so there are no complaints about that! 😀
This month I’m going to write about tasks in the lead up to launch, plus a few extra bits. Some of the things I’ve been up to include:
Sending uncorrected proofs to bloggers and reviewers.
This is exciting. However, it is also eeky because I know the uncorrected proofs are not the final version of the book (even though the story is the same). As someone who wants the best quality possible, to me, it feels quite unnatural to send something which I know will be tweaked/tightened (already has been at this point). Thankfully, bloggers and reviewers are an awesome part of the bookish community, and they understand the purpose of uncorrected proofs is largely about having a story available to read before release. I will try not to eek.
For more info on uncorrected proofs, I did a post which you can view on Instagram here.
Tweaking the manuscript
I made tweaks to the uncorrected proof version of the book following proofreader feedback. After I did this, I had another read of the manuscript (alongside a read-aloud function so I could absorb the info differently), and then, I did the same again just to be sure I was happy. I am glad I did this, because I picked up on a few things which no one (including me) had picked up on before. It’s amazing that a book can be read multiple times by multiple people, and you can often still find things to tweak (even after release!). I find it very hard to let go of a book, but I’m excited to share it. Fingers crossed from here!
Preparing files for the printer
I needed to produce files for the manuscript and the cover in paperback and ebook formats. I use two different printers, so I needed to ensure files worked for their templates. This can take quite a bit of time (lots of checks), but, thankfully, the last files were approved this afternoon (WOOHOO!) and books have been ordered. It’s later in the process than I would have liked, but I am still learning all the time.
Events
This year’s Comic Con season has kicked off! So far, I’ve been to events in Bournemouth and Southampton. In May, I’ll be at Reading Comic Con on 11th and MCM London Comic Con from 23rd to 25th. There’s always a lot to enjoy at a Comic Con, and I love to see people’s cosplay efforts too. Please say hi if you see me there.
I’ve also got craft and gift markets on the horizon. Plus, events going forward will include Fyn 2 on the table! See here for the latest event updates.
Merch
I’ve been working on things like posters and a roller banner for book two, but I’ve also been designing and considering things for book launch and beyond. Some of this arrived today, and I am really pleased with it! Check the next blog for more info or keep an eye on my social media (as pics are likely to show up there).
Wrapping up
A couple of extra things:
My first book, Fyn Carter and the Agents of Eromlos, is on offer this week on Kindle in the UK and the US (99p UK link here and 99c US link here). It’s a great time to check it out in the lead up to book two!
Fyn Carter and the Legends from Atlantis is available for pre-order on Kindle (UK link here and US link here). Thank you to everyone who has pre-ordered already. Paperback edition will be available on Amazon on launch day (8th May) with wider distribution coming very soon. As per above, Fyn 2 will also be with me at events.
Next month, I’ll be reporting back after launch. If there’s anything you’d like me to focus on, please let me know!
Thanks.
Ian x
Ian Hunter Creates 