It’s really real!
I was going to blog more about the wedding, but I had a surprise show up at my house today. Page proofs from Harlequin! 
I think it hit me for the first time today. I really sold a book. They really are going to publish it. I almost want to pet the manuscript like it’s a little puppy. I’ve been a bit superstitious and haven’t read the manuscript since I sent it off on September 1st. This is good because I’m truly looking at it with a fresh set of eyes.
Right after I sold it, I had to complete an Art Facts Sheet which involved assembling a one-page synopsis along with answering various questions from a visual standpoint.
The book was then sent to the copyeditor and when I opened the package, here’s what one of the pages looks like:
The lines were numbered, and one of the more unusual changes for me to see was replacing double quotation marks with single quotation marks. It’s a little strange on the eyes. I’m looking forward to seeing which of my American spellings were changed to British spellings. 
Now, I’m sure published authors must look at page proofs and think–Oh boy. Here we go.
But these are my first ever page proofs. I did a little dance in my kitchen. 
This is my first book! I’m looking forward to diving back into the story. I will try to refrain from changing the word colour color. 
Michelle posted in Writing @ 9:09 pm | Viewed 2368 times
mary beth Says:
Woo Hoo Michelle!!!!
That is so cool. Congrats again.
Michelle Styles Says:
Have fun, Michelle! There is nothing like the first set of page proofs. And getting proofs is exciting! A wonderful feeling. Just wait until you get to hold the book in your hands.
The best way I have found is to sit down, and read through with a ruler so that you are focused on each line. mainly checking the flow. Do not bother to compare and contrast with the original — it could do your head in
Oh and I tagged you with the five things you may not know about me meme.
Helen Taylor Says:
Hi Michelle,
I’ve come to your class via Suzanne McMinn’s blogging class. She suggested we check your blog out!
Fantastic news on your first sale. I am unpubbed, still soldering on with contests and starting to search for an agent.
I sympathise with the colour/color thing–only I have the opposite problem becuase I’m English and trying to write paranormal for the American market. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been called on ‘wrong spelling’(note the quote marks :D) by an American contest judge, despite my best efforts to Americanise!
Helen
india Says:
Good luck with the proofs Michelle! I returned my first set last week and found it a really bizarre experience reading the manuscript I thought I knew so well with completely new eyes.
Haven’t had an Art Fact Sheet though. (India stamps foot and sticks bottom lip out.) I want one too!
Michelle Says:
Hi Helen! I’ve learned that the spelling isn’t that big of a deal. I questioned whether or not to change the spellings in my new manuscript, but I don’t know all of them! I found honour/honor and a few others, though.
India–I had to do the AFS first and then I just got the proofs yesterday. It really is a wild experience! Especially when you read paragraphs that you didn’t write.
Michelle S.–I absolutely can’t wait to hold my book in my hands.
Thanks, Marybeth!
beth Says:
Yay Michelle!
I think you’re entitled to spend 5 - 10 minutes a day petting the page proofs like a puppy. Just be sure your hands are dry and clean so you don’t get them grubby!
Kelly Says:
So that’s what they look like! How exciting!
Bonnie Ferguson Says:
Woo Hoo, Michelle
Melissa Says:
Oh wow. That is so AWESOME!!! You did it, Michelle!!!
Sue aka MsCreativity Says:
Sue
Emma Sinclair Says:
Woo Hoo!! Congratulations and have fun with them!
Robyn Says:
:shimmy::banana::dancingfool:
Have fun, girl. You deserve it!
Chris Keach Says:
Great news and thanks for sharing! I know that we appreciate your journey, as many of us hope to be going through it soon too. Enjoy reading your book again. I’m off to work on my manuscript ending. Again.
Michael Patrick Leahy Says:
Michelle,
That’s great !
I love following your progress to publication.