I just sent the draft of my manuscript for Death from the Skies! to my editor.
PHEW!
This is a major step, of course. For one thing, it fulfills my contractual obligation of getting the book to the publishing house by November 12. 
But it’s nowhere near the end! Once my editor looks it over and edits it, I’ll have to revise it. You may be shocked, shocked, to learn it’s too long. A lot of precious words will have to be savagely curtailed. I’ll have to add technical edits as I get those from my posse of advisors. That’s no big deal (assuming my science isn’t totally screwed up). My first book had a single technical editor (my old friend Mark Voit) who did a great job checking up on my science. But this new book covers a vast amount of territory in some detail, so we needed a different tech editor for each chapter. They’ve been a tremendous help, and I am indebted to them all.
Even when the writing is all done, there are the matters of illustrations, photos, captions, cover art, planning my speech when I get the Pulitzer, and so on. It’s a long road ahead.
But the first few steps have been taken. Now I can start getting ready for my trip to DC tomorrow, working on updating the blog, starting up an idea or two I have for new sites, getting my home life in order (geez, you should see my office; I haven’t really unpacked since we moved in June), spending some actual time with the Little Astronomer, and tinkering around with an idea for my third book.
Y’know, relaxing stuff.
November 9th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
How about a book on astronomy for children. There are many published already. Yet, a new spin on this topic could be popular. Besides, you do have a “little editor”.
November 9th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
Well done !
And make sure to spend some quality time (home, family etc.) now that you have time to breathe. No one here wants you to exhaust yourself.
November 9th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
Great news, Phil.
Congratulations.
November 9th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
Congrats! When can we pre-pre-order?
November 9th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
Congratulations! I’m in awe of you!
November 9th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
Congrats, Phil!
I look forward to reading it when it hits the stores.
November 9th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
You book can’t be too long!!! I refuse to believe it.
You tell your “editors” and “publishers” that your audience demands the longest book you can write!
November 9th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
Hey Phil, let me know if you need any galactically evil CG illustrations for your book! I’ve always wanted to contribute something to science besides bad sci-fi films
November 9th, 2007 at 2:57 pm
I’m quite looking forward to seeing the final product. Best wishes to getting it done the way you want to see it done.
November 9th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
Congratulations are in order on two accounts, then, Doctor. Not only are you past the first post for your new book, but you done won*!
* (But only if you can share. Just like in kindergarten, sharing is good.)
November 9th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
Cheers to you and your work.And I still promise to buy three copies.
November 9th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
Congratulations. Is it too early to put it on my 2008 Christmas list?
November 9th, 2007 at 3:41 pm
You rock! To celebrate, you can catch the Immersion Presents SeaCAMEL broadcasts on the 12th at http://www.immersionpresents.com
Deep sea can be just as cool as deep sky.
November 9th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
If only you were writing a book on philosophy rather than astronomy – then it could never be too long.
November 9th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
Bravo Phil! I can’t wait for the first edition.
BTW – I know what you’re saying about tech/science editors. I’m friends with a retired science editor, (his last job was with Encyclopedia Britannica.) He knows so much, that when he doesn’t know, he knows who does.
P.S. – Don’t forget to check the Larry King UFO Woofest tonight on CNN for fun. (or frustration – sigh.)
November 9th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
Enjoy your time off!
I look forward to reading it.
November 9th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
So does that mean that maybe one of the things on your list is Q and BA???? I really miss those! I have been patiently waiting for you to finish your book…..
November 9th, 2007 at 5:47 pm
Congrats! Wait…
This just in! Climate Audit’s Steve McIntyre is now in the running for a Pulitzer!
…Jus’ joshin
November 9th, 2007 at 6:41 pm
Yes, congratulations, but I’m insanely jealous! First, that you have an income situation (whatever it is) that lets you write full time, and second, that you’ve finished your M/S. I’m sort of at that point with “The Saucer Fleet”, but my publisher “lets” me do the basic formatting and illustrations before I submit it for the edits. At least I have until March for that.
- Jack
November 9th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
[...] was easy… BA Blog: Major book milestone [...]
November 9th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
“Too long” should not be a problem, I’m sure it will be the “Pulp Fiction” of science books then.
Just remember: With every mathematical formula you will loose half your laymen readers and with every bible quote you will loose half your science readers.
November 9th, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Congratulations! now the real fun begins! Personally, I’ve always enjoyed the revising stage of a book manuscript. Not that I’m into pain or anything, it’s just fun to watch it all come together… Can’t wait to see the cover art!
November 9th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
Congratulations BA. Eagerly awaiting it.
November 9th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
Congrats Phil! I second Jamie’s idea to get back to those Q and BA videos!
November 10th, 2007 at 2:10 am
Bravo!
I saw you give your “Mars Attacks” talk to the Sacramento Valley Astronomical Society a few years ago. I was the guy in the eighth row, muttering furiously because I forgot to bring my copy of your book for an autograph!
So, I’ll buy two copies of “Death From the Skies;” one to read, and one to get signed, someday.
Congratulations, and many happy returns.
November 10th, 2007 at 3:43 am
Congratulations, but don’t get complacent yet. I think it was Mario Puzo who said “The secret of writing a good book is in the re-writing!” Not his exact words but the closest I can recall. And, it seems, he rewrote large parts of his books not just once or twice but many times.
November 10th, 2007 at 4:30 am
One small step for a man! But a giant leap for mankind!
Congratulations, I can’t wait to read it! It will be great fun to read it, of course, just like your first!
Btw: Now that you finished out the book and do a well earned “rest” – maybe you have the time to make some more episodes of “Q&BA”? I think I am not the only one here wishing that! Maybe you can think about that, too!
November 10th, 2007 at 12:37 pm
Cool!
Your path to enlightenment is assured, for to enlighten others is to enlighten ourselves.
(Now, where’d I put that danged flashlight?)
Will you have a pre-purchase option for your devoted fans?
Count me in!
Gary 7
November 10th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
Dr. BA, can we all go to Sweden to see your Pulitzer speech, please?
November 12th, 2007 at 10:05 am
Congrats on finishing the manuscript. Mark Voit is actually the person who introduced me to your first book, and your website. He was my Astronomy professor when I was a student at MSU. I’m looking forward to reading your second book.
January 16th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
I know this is an old thread, but I saw this poster and immediately thought of the BA’s book:
http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/posters/7c3e/?cpg=ab