Book #3 progress

Thought I’d share the progress on getting my third novel, Orange Terrace, released. Might be interesting to anyone wanting to get published.
• Writing – done 4 years ago. That’s the easy part.
• Editing – probably rewritten every word and line several times over the past 4 years.
• Feedback – 15 friends or so have provided feedback, which directs much of the editing. About ready to close this step and do one more self-edit.
• Cover – Susan Welsh is working on some revisions and should be done any day. Very exciting. Cover design is a work of art in itself.
• Publishers – sent queries in October. Two dear johns and three open to date. May be go with Indigo Publishing again. AuthorHouse (print-on-demand) is the fallback.
• Blurbs for back cover – 5 people in mind; two received to date. Hope to have quirky lines by Mayor and MCCG CEO.
• Website – Larry Najera ready to rework www.rickmaier.com. Need new photo.
• Marketing – need to work on postcard, freebie list, book signings, appearances, and promotion via the web.
Summary – May be January-February before book gets published, March-April before it’s out. Not in a big hurry because book market is in a slump. Spring is good timing for summer reading and positioning for fall (2010) selling season.
I'm halfway up the mountain.