The Thing About ARCs...

So, I got this...



And trust me when I say it’s even more gorgeous in person than it is in the picture!!!

But here’s the deal with ARCs (or Advance Reader Copies)...I sorta have mixed feelings about them.

On the one hand, I love them. I mean, when I open the box and see my manuscript all dressed up in gorgeous book form for the first time, I can hardly contain myself! I want to jump up and down, and weep tears of joy, and celebrate by throwing glitter in the streets--all at the same time! Seriously, getting ARCs is one of those moments in the publishing process that is almost surreal!     

Yet on the other hand, there’s another part of me that sort of hates them. You see, ARCs are unfinished versions of a book. Unfinished, meaning it’s been copyedited, but I still haven’t made that final, absolute, very last sweep through it to make all the changes I want to make.  For some writers, that pass may mean only 10 or 20 (or even 50) changes before they feel it’s really, really done. 

For me, it’s usually more. A lot, LOT more... 

Like up to 250 more wording tweaks, sentence changes, and even some flat out scene rewriting. This pass is almost an obsession for me, in which I become preoccupied over every single word choice, every comma, every transition from one scene to the next...I mean, this is my last chance to make any possible changes before it goes to press, after all!  And knowing that this advance version (as pretty as it may seem) actually goes out to early readers and reviewers as-is...well, it makes me just a tad twitchy.  Okay, more than just a tad.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m SUPER EXCITED for this book (this very real and beautiful book!) to start making its way out there!  And yes, I realize that reviewers know that these ARCs are not the final versions...but is it so crazy to want EVERYONE to read the best possible version??? Okay, yes, it probably is. 

Is it even more crazy that I might actually sleep with this ARC tucked under my pillow tonight??? You betcha! 

Comments

Unknown said…
The cover is incredible. :)

Jenea @ Books Live Forever
Katie Anderson said…
Gorgeous!!! And Kim, I am just sitting here so amazed and impressed by all of your books. It has gone by so fast that you went from one book to like six or seven. Shoot, maybe it's even eight with all that are in the works. What an incredible career, you've had. I'm so proud to know you :)

CONGRATS!!!!
Unknown said…
Yay for ARCs! I know not everyone gets one but I'm just excited because that means one step closer to the real book!

PS My offer for babysitting in exchange for pages still stands ;)
Oh, I SO relate to this. I've wanted to hand write in some of the edits (and okay, fine, in the few ARCs I've given away I HAVE). So glad I'm not the only one who feels like this!
Brittany said…
Great cover! It's okay to be obsessed with making it perfect. Can't wait to read this!
Megan said…
That cover is BEAUTIFUL!! So excited that the real book is getting closer to being finished! Can't wait! Congrats(:

Megan @ Bookworm in Love
I wish I could take credit, Jenea ;)

Katie - Thanks! This will be #5, then Dead Silence will be #6/ Crazy, isn't it?

Cari - We need to figure out a way to teleport my 11-yr-old to you!

Shannon - I'm quite certain we're not alone in this crazy-mindedness. Although I love that you actually DID write in some of yours!

Britt - Can't wait till it's finally out there...and thanks!!!

Bookworm - And by closer, you mean still 5+ months to go...that's like FOREVER! But I'm glad you like the cover ;)
Lexie said…
I love the cover! It's so beautiful! :)
Candace said…
It is SO gorgeous! I think some authors have more last minute tweaks than others, but as a reviewer I'm aware of this and keep that in mind. I know some things are obvious and I know they'll be fixed. And generally, the story is going to be the same, and that's what matters. Even if there are a few changes, it's nothing that will REALLY change my opinion.
I can't WAIT to read this! WOO HOO that it's getting a little closer!
Kirthi said…
Hello Kimberly!
I think it's interesting that you wrote that, from an author's perspective. I mean, the early readers do really shape whether or not people are or will be interesting in a novel: so ARC's are frightening :) It's a beautiful book you've got!

-Kirthi
BookChic said…
I would like to borrow that (especially since S&S doesn't do galley grab anymore), lol. Such a pretty cover!! Also, yay for Dead Silence!
Candace - I think you're right, reviewers get it...it's just the authors who micro-obsess (yeah, I'm calling that a word!).

Kirthi - Frightening but exciting :)

James (BookChic) - *gasp* I didn't realize S&S didn't do galley grab anymore! I'm flabbergasted...but also super glad you're looking forward to Dead Silence ;)
Little Ms J said…
Can't wait to read. Loved PLEDGE.

And no neuroses, please. You have an ARC, woman! ARC Numero Five-o. Let that sink in....