Travis Griffith shares about the post-contract realities of publication.

A few months ago, I wrote a blog about the writing process and the inspiration for my children’s book, “Your Father Forever.” (You can refresh your memory by reading that blog here.)

The process of actually getting a contract to sign is tedious and at times, downright vicious. Yet once it’s signed, the author just sits back and waits for the publication date. Right? If an author has ever had it that easy, my hat goes off to him or her for mastering the craft of writing and providing exactly what an editor or publisher wanted right off the bat. That certainly wasn’t how it happened in my case.

It’s all downhill from here, right?

The manuscript I sent to the publisher was, in my mind, absolute perfection. I mean, that’s why I sent it in the first place. So I was a little taken aback by one of the questions they asked as they were determining if my book was right for them: Are you open to working with us on editing your book?

Of course I said yes. But in my mind, I was wondering why such a masterpiece would even NEED editing.

Editing and Layout

Well, the editing process took a full 12 months. During that time I learned a lot about the cadence of my words, how they would be laid out on the page and how they would sound when read aloud. The finished book also had to fit in with the vision of the publishing company, Illumination Arts, which publishes inspirational children’s books to inspire the mind, touch the heart, and uplift the spirit. I exchanged e-mails and phone calls directly with the publisher and slowly polished the manuscript into what it is today.

Once the publisher and I were happy with the placement and use of literally every word, I signed off on the copy which was then sent to a talented illustrator in Brazil named Raquel Abreu. And that’s where the magic of the book really happened. The illustrating process took another 12 months or so, during which time Raquel first created pencil drawings for each spread and submitted them to the publisher. Those drawings were shared with me and I gave my feedback. Adjustments were made and then Raquel created the full color, beautiful illustrations that brought the book to life.

A few months down the road and I had my first promotional copies to share with family and friends.

The Long Road

My book would never have been published if I hadn’t been willing to work with people and learn from them, or if I had been shut down to criticism. It took about two and a half years from the date of the contract to actual publication. It was well worth the work and the wait, as the book has touched a lot of people, and I’m thrilled with how it turned out.