The calendar has turned to a new year, making this an appropriate time to share an update on my writing journey.
On May 1, 2025, I submitted a proposal for my non-fiction gardening book to a university press. I was delighted to receive a request for the full manuscript. The acquisitions editor suggested several revisions, which I was pleased to undertake. Subsequent review introduced a shift in direction, with an emphasis on appealing to a broader audience.
The revised manuscript was then sent to two anonymous peer reviewers. When I received their initial feedback, along with the editor’s comments, my reaction was one of shock and disappointment. After allowing myself time to process, I came to understand an essential truth: the individuals evaluating my work are professionals whose goal is to strengthen the book—making it clearer, more engaging, and more widely applicable. Addressing their recommendations became a full-time endeavor, often requiring extended hours. The thoroughly revised manuscript is now back with the editor, with plans for a third peer review.
I personally took most of the more than 300 illustrative photographs included in the manuscript. Some images will need to be replaced with higher-quality photography, and permissions must be secured for photos taken in gardens other than my own.
This experience has provided valuable insight into the realities of non-fiction publishing. Unlike fiction, non-fiction does not follow a rapid timeline. The acquisition process alone can take months. Copyediting involves far more than submitting a digital file; it includes ISBN registration, multiple rounds of editing, index creation, proofreading, and author review of page proofs—a phase that typically spans approximately three months.
Once the manuscript enters production, additional stages follow: design, typesetting, printing, possible conversion to ePub format, and distribution to sellers. Production generally takes about seven months.
After publication, marketing and fulfillment efforts begin in earnest. These include email campaigns, social media outreach, interviews, conference appearances, advertising, order fulfillment, shipping, inventory and warehouse management, customer service, and returns.
The target date for a completed, market-ready book is spring 2027. While this may feel far removed from the original proposal submission, the extensive revisions and refinements will result in a final product of which I am genuinely proud.
As always, I am deeply grateful for the encouragement and support of my friends and family.