Besides writing my book Artful Adventures in Mixed Media I also found it fascinating what steps are involved in writing a book like this, how much time it takes and how many people are involved in this process. I thought you might also find it interesting and so here we go:
It all started late October 2015 when I sent in a Book Outline/Proposal to the Publisher. Well “started” might be a bit of a lie, because writing a proposal and put that all together actually means I have had a couple weeks to think about my idea and lay it out in a proposal.
By December my book was approved and I received the contract. Boy – I cannot tell you how excited I was. With the contract came the outline of deadlines and the 1st one approaching right in January 2016 – The Page Plan. A page plan is a detailed sketch for every single page in the book. That one was a hard one , because I hadn’t even started writing yet, but it really was the foundation for my book and helped me determine how I wanted to structure the book. It is also important for the editor to see that you actually can fill every page.
The next big deadline was June 2016 to send in all preliminary step-outs as well as the artwork for the photoshoot. Every single day from January to June I was writing and creating art work for the book. I ate a lot of avocado toast ….in a cafe close by because for the writing I often went there. It really helped me focus- as weird as it sounds.
For the techniques shown in the book I had to create all the physical step outs for the photo shoot. It took a lot of time to create these – especially since you have to create things several times in different stages.
Everything from the artwork, to the step outs and the materials used, had to be labeled and bagged and then made ready to be shipped before the shoot.
The Photoshoot in June was a huge fun – I met my editor Noel in person and I got to work with Christine again, who was shooting every single step out for the book. I also met the designer for my my book to talk about how I would envision it and a lot of other people involved in my book from the Marketing Department to the Managing Editor etc.You can read more about the shoot here.
We went through the photoshoot quicker than planned and so the video team who knew me already from my DVD shoot suggested we should spontaneously also do a video shoot for a trailer for the book. I love how this came together- check it out :)
After the shoot I checked the manuscript again to see where the actual photos would go, and I finalized the text for the step outs. In August my manuscript was due in it’s entirety.
Then it went back and forth several times between me and the editor. In October the book went to the Copy Editor and in November I finally got to see a first glimpse of the cover and of the design of the book. I seriously cried – it was so cool too see and it started feeling so much closer to the actual book.
And then in January 2017 I received the book with all the graphics, design and photos for a final review before it went a last time for a final review to the managing editor . Another highlight.
Finally in February the book went to the printer and Artful Adventures in Mixed Media will be released in June 2017. It is on Pre-Sale now :) Quite a journey, isn’t it? Over 1 1/2 years – and I am sooo antsy now- LOL – I want it out and I cannot wait to hold it in my hands ;)
Comments (15)
Shelley Graham Turner
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Wow that is a long process, but so worth it. I can’t wait to get my copy! You need to seriously pat yourself on the back. If I were to attempt something like that it would take me forever – starting with just finding a clean spot in my work area to take a photo! Lol
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nathalie-kalbach
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thank you so much Shelley :) I might do the pat when the book is finally here- LOL. You could do it too ;)
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Birgit Koopsen
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This was so much fun to read! Wow, the process! Can’t wait to see the book in real!
Miss you! <3
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nathalie-kalbach
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<3 I miss you too my wonderful friend. And your artwork in the book is the icing on the cake :)
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Julie B
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P.S. If you should ever decide to sell the canvas that is on the cover of your book, can I be offered the right of first refusal? (like I would refuse? LOL!) I LOVE THAT PIECE!
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nathalie-kalbach
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Julie, I would sell it. Contact me if you are interested and I send you a picture of it, details and price ;)
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julie b
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Yes, please do! Thx!
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Julie B
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Wow! The amount of time to make this book is like giving birth twice. Thank you for showing the behind the scenes process and kudos to you for making it. I can’t wait for my copy of it and preoordered it when you came out to teach at AWOH. I’m so excited for you!
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nathalie-kalbach
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Thank you Julie for ordering it- you are the best! Loved seeing you at AWOH – I hope to see you there again :)
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Nancy Sapp
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I was astonished by the process & ALL the hard work that it entails! You & Julie are SO talented so it’s no surprise that you wrote this book.
So VERY proud of you!
In awe of your talent from central IL
Nancy
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nathalie-kalbach
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Awe- thank you so much Nancy <3 Big hugs to IL!
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Liz Saxen
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It’s so cool to see a little of all the work that goes into doing your book. I have pre-ordered it already. ? can’t wait to get it. Congratulations.
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nathalie-kalbach
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Glad you liked reading about the process Liz and thank you so much for preordering the book <3
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Rosie Grey
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How exciting to see how this came all together! I can’t wait to see your book!
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nathalie-kalbach
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Thank you Rosie, glad you found it interesting ! <3
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