i promised a book post, and here it is…
*today i finished up my review of the copyedited manuscript of two kisses for maddy. the copyedited version is my last chance to go through the pages before they’re typeset. this is pretty exciting for me because it means i’m another step closer to seeing the book on shelves and (hopefully) in the hands of lots of readers.
so what did the copy editor do? well, he went through the manuscript to check for consistency in formating, make sure i didn’t repeat phrases and a lot more, then he sent it back to me with queries that i had to respond to. i also got to override some changes and that was pretty cool.
along with the manuscript, i got a style sheet for the book that told me how the copy editor treated numbers, dates, names, capitalizations, and that he used the chicago manual of style 15 and merriam-webster’s collegiate dictionary 11 in editing my book (included that bit of info for the word nerds out there). the style sheet also listed all of the people, bands and other proper names used in the manuscript…it was rad to see them listed out like that.
*i’ve also finished up my acknowledgements and dedication pages, which were the last bits of writing i had to do. it took me awhile to create the list of people i wished to thank, which is of course is a testament to the amazing people in my life. the dedication was a lot easier.
*i’m now in the process of choosing which photos will be included. grand central has a really cool idea for presenting them within the book, and i’m looking forward to seeing it.
*a pre-copyedited version of the book is in the hands of a few folks, (mostly other authors at this point), in order to get book blurbs from them. in case you’re wondering, blurbs = those little quotes on the dust jacket that say what an amazing read it is.
things that are coming up:
*there have been a bunch of cover designs floated about. they’ve all been great, but i’ll be absolutely thrilled if the most recent version ends up as the cover (and i’m pretty sure it will be). i’m looking forward to seeing the final final version and to sharing it with all of you soon.
*i’ve heard some preliminary information on an actual publish date. as i’ve mentioned, it will be sometime during april 2011. i’ll of course share the specific date as soon as it’s confirmed.
*galley copies, sample design pages, first pass pages, and starting to spread the word about the book. i have no idea what happens during most of these phases but i’ll be sure to share everything with you as i learn more.
*my editor just finished writing up the catalog copy. (click here to see an online example of the catalog).
my book is not listed yet, but it’s going to be damn cool to see it up there with some of grand central’s biggest authors.
*my agents are in the process of selling the foreign rights to the book. so far we’ve sold the book to a publisher in indonesia and to a publisher who will translate the book into traditional chinese characters and sell it to chinese-speaking territories outside of mainland china (seriously). i’ll continue to update you when/if we pick up other territories.
do you have any questions you want answered about the process of getting my book published? if so, leave me a comment and i’ll address as many as possible in a future post.
123 Comments
no questions. just total amazement for you. this is unreal & I’m so stoked. (p.s. if’n you need regular folk to read & review I’d be happy to buy it first chance & do so) I really can’t wait to pre-order, matt.
I’m sooooo very excited for you Matt. I will for sure be buying the book. And I would love to have it signed by you. Are you gonna do a book tour. I’m sure you are. I live in the L.A. area and would love to meet you in person. Maybe Borders in Cerritos??!!!
Wow Matt! How exciting. Seem like yesterday you were writing about the possibility of a book. And now it’s almost done. I can’t wait to read it and I’m looking forward to seeing what photos make the cut. Congrats!!!
yeah…where’s my copy? heh.
as an avid reader and a double widow who has read your blog and watched you navigate the dreaded widow/er club, i’d love to give you a blurb if you need some more prereaders{that is so a word right?}
love the way you are progressing~it’s been a while since i’ve commented~ just drop me an email if you need any more blurbs
charfread at gmail
so very excited for you! & can hardly wait until it comes out! congrats on all of the success.
Very excited for you Matt. I read your blog faithfully, and can’t wait to read your book.
Woo hoo! Now I know what to ask for for my birthday in April.
Hi Matt,
The book will be avaliable over here in the UK – with Amazon maybe ?
best wishes to all
When can Australia get to see it?? Will we see it around the same time as the States?? If not, where can we order it??
Congrats Matt
Hi Matt!
Do you have any idea if this book will be available in the UK? I have been looking forward to it for ages!! Well done for getting to this point you should be so proud of yourself.
Just wanted to say CONGRATS!!! I cannot wait to read it!!!
I would very much like to buy your book, but I live in Hong Kong… will it be sold all the way over here?
Long time reader, never commented before. But my excitement for you has pushed me over that ledge. My Maddie was born just a few weeks after yours, and I do not exaggerate when I say they are twins – both in looks and personalities.
I cannot wait to read this book. I’m typically a download/wait until I can catch it at the library/Half Price Books kind of person – but this will be preordered and anxiously awaited.
Awesome! Congrats to you. Hoping to catch you at a signing party, would be great to have a signed copy, and of course to see you in person again!
how many bands are listed in your book?
and- how will you decide which photos to include? you take so many!!
This is so exciting, Matt! I cannot wait to see the book in print and will definitely want a copy. It is going to be so special for Maddy to have this book as a testament to her parents’ love and as a way to know her mother. Thanks for keeping us posted!
My question is this…Do I get an autographed copy?
So proud of you Matt – look how far you’ve come…
xoxo
I’m dying to hear if you’re going to do a book tour, I work at a Borders in Indianapolis and I’ve already alerted my boss to your book, I can’t wait to see it on shelves!
just wanted to say congrats! been following you guys for a while and will support you any way i can!
Hi Matt,
Is your book going to be available in the Sony Reader store, Nook or Kindle store?
Pleeeeeeeeeeze????!
As a publishing blog junkie, I pretty much know what to expect, but it’s so cool to see this happening for you!! I can’t wait to hear more. And hey, if they let you, maybe you could take and share some pics of the behind-the-scenes stuff! (Like highlighted/post-it-flagged pages, or (blurred out) cover designs, or whatever.)
Congratulations! This is so awesome.
so exciting, i can’t wait to read the book!!
So Exciting. Thanks for the update. It seems like just last month you were in India just getting started on the book. Congratulations. I’m going to have my book club read it when it comes out!
Please include Honolulu, Hawaii on your book tour! I’m sure we can arrange a proper welcome and congratulatory party for you here!
Congratulations on taking another step forward toward the book being published! It’s really interesting to see how the pieces are unfolding, and it sounds like the book is going to be very unique not just in the material and tone, but also in design and use of photos.
One question: How much input are you getting into the design pieces? It sounds like your publisher is very collaborative.
Really looking forward to seeing the book next April!
That is AMAZING Matt!! I can not wait to get my copy!!!!! Congrats!!
Please say you will be doing a book tour and please say you will be stoppping in Raleigh!!!! Quail Ridge books is still a family owned book store here in the triangle. They have had lots of great authors in there…Please tell me you will be joining the list of them!!!
Congrats on getting a few steps closer!!
Wow! What a process…for you and the book. Thanks for keeping us updated. Looking forward to the release date.
very excited for you, Matt! i can’t wait to read your book!
I agree with Darcie, as a long time reader… can I get a signed copy?!?! I still have my signed postcard from Maddy!!!
Book tour?? Soon? Because I keep thinking my family will get to LA for Disneyland and such when you might actually in town….so we could be stranger/friends but you might be on the road???
congrats! and can’t wait to get my copy!
Very exciting! Looking forward to seeing it on the bookshelves, and launching your second career as a music writer.
I cannot even begin to describe how excited I am for you! This is so amzing, I can’t wait to have a copy in my hands! Yay Matt! xoxoxoxo
ps. I LOVE the title.
SO excited for you. Can’t wait to read it.
Matt, I’m so excited for you!! I’ve been following your blog for over a year now, and I am so thrilled to read your story from beginning to end. I don’t believe there’s a bigger tribute to a person, and I didn’t know Liz, but from what you’ve said about her, I know she’d be proud.
God is doing great things in your life and it’s so neat to see it unfold! Good luck as your book reaches the hands of other authors and hits the shelves. Let us know when we can pre-order!!
Looking forward to Reese Witherspoon playing Liz in the movie. Seriously can picture it.
How awesome for you!!! I cannot wait to read it.
Matt..I have followed your blog from the beginning and just thrilled about the book being out soon..can’t wait to read it! How exciting for you and Maddy..you are an awesome dad..Maddy is lucky to have you for her daddy. Congrats!
I’m anxiously awaiting April 2011!! Please stop on your book tour in Phoenix, AZ
cannot wait to pre-order the book…so excited for you
Can’t wait to read it. Congratulations!
So awesome, Matt! It would be cool to auction off an autographed “advanced” copy before its released. The proceeds can go towards your foundation!
Sounds fantastic!
Congratulations on coming all this way! I’m looking forward to reading the book.
I am mostly concerned about what font your book will be typeset in. Think how many people would hate you if you chose something like Comic Sans. Obviously the content of your story will be rendered meaningless if the wrong typeface is chosen.
(I was being sarcastic there.)
By the way, DO you get any say as to page layout? I have always wondered that.
Book tour is a great idea!! Raleigh, Quail Ridge books is even better!
No questions. Just can’t wait to read it!!
Cannot wait until your book is out! I am so excited for you (and Maddie)!
Just so very excited for you and I can NOT wait to read it!!! I’m looking forward to seeing what’s done with all of your amazing photos, too.
This is so amazing and exciting! No matter what I know it will be a wonderful thing to have on your shelf for Madeline. Congrats! I can’t imagine how exciting this is for you!
Please make a book tour stop in the Tampa Bay area in Florida!!
I hope that photo of you and Maddy looking at the ocean will be the cover
best of luck with everything…I will be reading for sure!
Don’t forget us electronic book people– I hope this book will be on amazon and/or ereader and/or ibooks!!!
Wow Matt! So awesome! Can’t wait to buy a copy.
Long time follower, second time poster. I think its great that the book will be out soon! You should come to Newfoundland, Canada on a book tour! I know it may be a stretch, but I feel like I know your Maddy like my own through this blog. Keep up the GREAT work being her Daddy and documenting all the amazing things you do for/with her and Brooke!
I know I asked you this via text message, but how does one go about getting a signed copy? Do we have to wait if/when you go on tour or was that just a pipe dream?
It’s soooo close!! Congratulations. Just reading your post was exciting and fascinating to me – I can hardly wait for the actual book to be in my hands! Then later on my eReader. As a loyal and avid creep, I hope against hope that you have a book signing in the Portland OR area (Border’s at Bridgeport Village Mall, hint hint.)Would love to meet you, awesome Maddy!, and Brooke in person.
BTW: thanks for the nerd info…I purchased the Chicago15 and MW11 for my training for proofreading…so that was a familiar connection. Maybe I will be ready to proof your second book! I wish! Anyway, thanks for the glimpse of your book excitement and reality!
Matt,
So looking forward to seeing the print copy. Hate the reason, love the result. Will try to get down to the cities for the Sept. 17th event…depends on work schedule but would enjoy being a part of that energy.
Wonderful news to read!!
what do you think was the hardest part to do in the process?
and have you discussed movie rights?
I’m not in publishing so a lot of what you wrote was Greek to me, but what I got out of it was that I am very excited for you! Congratulations!
Cannot wait to buy it….get it out before I retire, so I will still have money to buy it….
Congratulations! I can’t wait to see the book and I really hope that Denver will be on your book tour.
so excited for you! and i vote for austin for the book tour.
Congratulations on the book! I can’t wait to see it on shelves and buy it. I’ve followed you for so long and I can’t wait to read it. The latest pics of your sweet girl are so beautiful.
questions? yeah… who’s playing you in the movie?
how’d you come up w/ the name/what does it mean?
It has nothing to do with publication… but since you love music and it seems like a big part of your life, you should make a post with a playlist of songs to listen to while reading the book.
Considering I’ve been reading this blog forever, I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOUUUU!!!!!! I’m sure you’re fucking escatic, but omg you’re GOING TO BE PUBLISHED!!! You’re fantabulous at everything you do <3
Love, Mere
This is so fascinating! Thanks for sharing. I’ve alwasys wondered what goes into writing a book. I’m curious to know how this all came about in the first place. Did the publisher follow your blog or know a friend or did you contact them? Not that it matters- I’m really just being nosey and curious. I think you picked the most perfect title possible. Congrats on all of your success!
AWESOME! I literally can not wait to pick up my copy…and I’m not even a big reader! That says a lot, trust me.
Congratulations, Matt! I am very excited and looking forward to reading your book.
This may be a silly question, but would you mind explaining again how you came up with the title “Two Kisses For Maddy”?
Thanks!
Best wishes, RoseAnn.
Just one question…
Do you have a word count on the F word?1
So excited for you!!!
Can not wait for this book to come out!
I can’t wait for your book and I’ll definitely be heavily promoting it on my blog for you
BIG TIME, Matt!! Congratulations, I’m so excited to see the results of all of your hard work.
Can’t wait for the book tour!
Since you have spent so much time in India, why Chinese and not Hindi?
This is all so exciting, Matt!
Looking forward to hearing when galleys are available. My book blog has been around since 2003 and I would love to help you promote your book.
I can’t wait to read it!!!
-Amy
Life by Candlelight
So excited for you Matt! The title is absolutely perfect! Can’t wait to pre-order my copy!
My question, what percent of your proceeds are going to the Liz Logelin Foundation?
This is just so spectacular! Can’t wait to buy your book!!!! Please come to Houston for a book signing!
So exciting! I can’t wait to read it!
Thank you for the publishing update! It’s just so thrilling that you’ll be a published author soon. Keep the updates coming!
- Diane
Hey Matt,
Let me know if you still need a blurb. Would be happy to do it…
Abby
Will all your loyal blog readers get the chance to pre-order your book?? I cannot wait to get my hands on it.
Ellen
How many words, on average, did you write each day to meet your deadline? What was the final word count?
I’ve been a follower of your blog for a little more than a year and have never commented. I am anxiously awaiting your book also and hope that maybe Upstate New York could be a possibility for a stop on your book tour?!?!?! I would even settle for an autographed copy!! Thank you for having all of us as a part of your family. I am so happy for you and Maddy and Brooke. You have come a long way and so deserve to be happy with your daughter while at the same time keeping Liz’s memory alive. Kuddos to you, and never stop blogging
)
Wow – so excited for you all! I hope it really does come out in April. I am due to have our first baby in March and it would be a perfect maternity leave read!
Congrats!! Can’t wait to get a copy of your book!!
INDONESIA!!! gonna get one for sure.. good luck matt and maddy!!
HELLZ TO THE YEAH! Pure awesomness! I hope you do a book tour and um Santa Rosa or Petaluma, CA would be a great place to visit!!!!! Perhaps you should take a readership poll to find out where you should visit ????? Just an idea.
So very excited for you and Maddie. I can’t wait until the book comes out in April. Any chance of a book signing in WA state? Would love to meet you in person.
I’m so damn excited to see this book come out. I’m planning to buy a copy as soon as it’s available. It’ll be right after tax time so I know I’ll have the funds.
I’m so happy for you. And also so sad. It’s a confusing thing, laughing while you’re crying. I’m sure you’ve been there before…
I’m super excited to read the book – will it be available in electronic form so those of us with Kindles can get it?
Matt:
I am so proud of you. The book sounds wonderful. You have such a good way with words. Of course, you are a great dad for Maddy. Can’t wait for your book to be published.
Congratulations!! So exciting. I am wondering what distribution to Canada will be like. Same availability dates? I am guessing/hoping yes. Also, book tour to Calgary..I know you loved Banff… just saying.
AWESOME! I think you should definitely sign up for Goodreads.com if you’re not on it already, and then list a few copies of the book in the Giveaways section. A lot of authors do this prior to the book’s official release, to get a few non-authors’ reviews.
(And of course, if you do this, I fully expect to be one of the winners.)
Congratulations, Matt!
It’s so great to hear all the wonderful progress with the book.
Looking forward to April 2011!
Much love to you and Maddy,
Sarah
Absolutely can’t wait for your book to be released, wish it was soon!! I have enjoyed your blog for years now. The book will be fabulous, as I know you are a fantastic and funny writer. I have enjoyed watching/reading as Maddie is growing. Keep up the good word..
Matt, I just stumbled across your blog online and read the entire thing from the begining till now in 2 days. Your story is very touching, as I’m sure you have heard many times. I want you to know that I think Maddy is the luckiest girl in the world to have such a fun and wonderful dad who opens her heart to experiences that most parents wouldn’t take the time for. Congratulations on the publication of your book. I will be in line the day it goes on sale with copies for everyone I know. Thank you for inspiring all of us to rise to the occassion even when the task seems impossible.
As mentioned before, the Cerritos Library will be an awesome place to host a book signing/author program! I can’t wait to make it happen. Congrats!
I am fantastically excited for you and can’t wait to buy my copy of your book!
I have to wait until April?!
not sure if anyone asked, but i thought maddy was ‘maddie’ because it’s madeline with a “i” instead of ‘y’? just asking.
can’t wait! can you please come to nashville for a signing. maybe you can come to cumberland caverns again..not too far!
SUPER RAD!
long time follower, first time comment..
YAHOO!! can’t wait to get my copy in April. Congrats to you and Maddy and everyone who helped along the writing journey!
Dannnnggg I am so excited! April 2011 is not very far away at all!!!! I am so excited to read it. I’m so excited to see which pictures were chosen. This may sound very silly and completely ridiculous but my anticipation feels like when I was waiting for my yearbook in high school. It was so exciting and so emotional and just a wonderful recap of where my life had been.
Love you guys & can’t wait to reserve my copies! I know I want one for me so I can read and then pass around to all my peeps who only half understand what the blog world is like and then I also wanna do a blog give a way.
xoxo
You WILL be having book signings right????
Matt, you probably don’t remember me, but we emailed a few years ago, just a few months after your beautiful wife died, and your beautiful daughter was born. It was shortly after my husband died and my son was born (I was pregnant when he passed away). I’ve been working on a book too, to put the story of “us” down in writing and on our blog of course, but was wondering how you even begin to get a book published? Where do you start? I want to commemorate my husband/his father in a special way, even if it doesn’t become FAMOUS like yours. CONGRATS on your amazing accomplishments, you inspire me every day and help build my widow strength.
Will you please let us know where the book will be sold when it is released?
I can’t wait to read it!
Go Matt!
You done good..and I have no doubt your book will be a solace to many.
and hey- way to rock the celebrity life.
pretty soon we can all start hitting you up for loans.
Awesome! Looking forward to it.
I can’t wait to review your book for my blog.
Plus, I’m in the MN and my husband’s band did a kids’ album recently, which Maddie (and you, because the music doesn’t drive adults crazy) will love. I’ll mail it to you, stat. In the meantime, you can check it out here if you’re curious.
http://www.sweetcolleens.com/monkeydance.html
Take care, Matt. What an amazing trip you’ve taken in your life!
Rachel
Matt – isn’t is amazing to see the posts from people all over the country (and other parts) who want you to come to their city on your book tour?!?
I’ve been reading your blog for over 2 years. I am still amazed at how you have flourished after Liz’s death. Ups and really low downs along the way? Of course. But you have given everyone the inspiration to do better, no matter their circumstances. Thank you for sharing your ups and downs with us.
I can’t wait to be in line at the Mall of America Rotunda, waiting for you to sign my copy of your book!
Yeay for Indonesia! I’ll twitpic for you when I see your book in local bookstores here in Indonesia
Just took a look at your awesome pictures, you are in Alaska!!!! Wow you really have been all over the world. Looks like you are having a great time. Enjoy!!!
Rosann
Book tour. Midwest? Please? Will Maddy and Brooke come? Please? Can’t wait to read it. Can. Not. Wait.
You always wanted to visit NJ right???? I think it would be a swell state for a book signing!! I would settle for NYC, but think NJ would love to welcome you!
No questions here….I’ve been following your story ever since I found your blog about a year and a half ago. I think you are absolutely amazing. I will be buying your book as soon as it comes out! Oh, and Maddy is getting more adorable by the minute!
Congratulations Matt! I’m a long time reader of your blog but have never posted. I have a little boy close to Maddy’s age and came across your blog when he was a newborn. You are a great writer and I’m so excited to read your book. I haven’t purchased a book in ages, but plan on buying two. One for me and one as a gift to a friend who recently became a widow and has two young children (lost his wife to a long battle with cancer).
Congratulations again!
p.s. I live near the big bronze bunny in the MN. I’ve seen pictures of Maddy there!
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