Once Upon A Sky is with the line editor

1 August 2026

For the July update, I wanted to start with the biggest news: my middle-grade novel has now been sent to the line editor!

Let’s make it sink in.

Once Upon A Sky , the novel I’ve been working on for ten years, is now with my line editor. On. Time.

When entering July, I knew it would be a high-stakes month. My day job was taking a lot of mental space. I needed a proper break to focus on my novel. So I took the last week of July off, knowing I’d need it (spoiler alert: I did). I had half of my novel to go through… It took me two months to edit the first half, so I desperately needed the holidays to put in the time for the second half. And I did it.

I’m happy and relieved I could hand in my novel on schedule. After ten years of writing, rewriting, throwing my manuscript away, and completely reimagining it for a new audience… finally sending it to the next stage feels a bit surreal. Best feeling ever.

What’s next for Once Upon A Sky?

The editor should come back with the line edits around mid/end of August. It leaves me plenty of time to format the paperback with the current version so I can order a proof copy from Amazon KDP and IngramSpark. I’ll be able to see if the font size is correct, if there’s any issue with the margins, etc. Once I get the line edits, I’ll swap the manuscript, and it will be way faster.

I’m also preparing the categories and keywords for the book’s metadata (if you’ve read SEO for Authors, you know what I’m talking about). And I’m also preparing a cover reveal! That’s more exciting than me talking about the things self-published authors do to prepare for a launch, haha.

Still on schedule for a November release!

Life updates

Outside of the editing trenches, I’m redecorating my home office with brand new colors and lighting. Honestly, I thought it would go faster than it currently does, but I’ve no time to spare. I don’t know how good a DIY enthusiast you are, but I’m definitely not. And I made a mistake with the plastering part of the project… made it a bit too thick. So I need to sand the walls now… Fortunately, my husband offered to do it for me. He’s a keeper, haha.

I’m also releasing these updates on my birthday (August 1st). Turning 38 today. No, I won’t make a list of what I learnt through my 38 years of life, although I could. But listen to the old me when I say this: you are the only one who knows what’s good for you. Others don’t know; you do. Listen to your guts.

And now I’m off to prepare for one of the most exciting bits of book marketing: the cover reveal! You’re gonna be dazzled. Stay tuned!