Greetings Backers!

TL;DR:  No action items for you. I've completed my paper edit. I just need to enter those edits and hand the files off to a copy editor. I'll be at Gen Con booth 1349 with pre-press copies. I'll also be at WorldCon in Seattle. If you are going to be at either of these events, please come say hello! I've posted schedules below. Your next update will be after Gen Con and WorldCon the week of August 18-22.

The weeks since arriving back home have been a flurry of activity. This is always the case when I return from a trip and have to pick up projects in the middle. We've been working on a slow kitchen remodel, I needed to finish up work for Locus Magazine. I'm getting started on work for StoryCon next February. I've pitched panels to two events in 2026. And, of course, I've been working on SLSC.

Last time I told you I needed to bring all of my edit passes into alignment. I've made fantastic progress on that!  I've finished my edit pass on paper. I see things differently when I view them on paper.

I've gone through every chapter in the book with pen in hand, making changes and scribbling notes. The next step is to transcribe those notes back into digital format.

My plan is to get that done in the next week. Then I'll hand the whole book off to a copy editor. One of the important skills in self publishing is to recognize where your skills are week. I am competent at grammar and spelling, but I do not have the precision and expertise of a copy editor. Handing it off also means that while I'm away at conventions, the project can still be moving forward.

Speaking of conventions, I've got a small number of pre-press copies that I'll have with me at Gen Con and WorldCon.

This is a lower quality book that what you all will be getting. It has the typical production errors and odd page cuts that happen with Print on Demand tech. However it does have all of the text in place. And it means that I can use the presence of uncorrected copies as a sales pitch for the final version. (I'll have this handy sign.)

I am also weirdly excited to have my own free standing banner.

It is fully kitty approved.
One of my major goals around the upcoming conventions is to spread the word about SLSC so that the finished book can go out to more people. I've got flyers, business cards, and bookmarks.  When I get back, I'll have pictures to share and I can talk about the promotion strategies I applied. (If that interests anyone.)

I've made progress on the warehouse organization. This will help tremendously when it comes time to mail out packages.
The side room in December:

The side room this week:

Other, less photographable, areas of organization have made similar progress as well. 

Booth 1349 in the Dealer's Hall (where you can find me most of the time)
Imposter Syndrome (panel)
Thursday1:00 PM EDT  Marriott: Marriott Ballroom 2

Social Commentary in Your Writing (panel)
Thursday3:00 PM EDT   Marriott: Atlanta

Writing Despite Existential Crisis or Despair (Workshop 2hr)
Friday3:00 PM EDT  Marriott: Atlanta

The Joys of Speculative Poetry (panel)
Saturday3:00 PM EDT  Marriott: Atlanta

Kickstarter Spotlight (Interview with Oriana Leckert of Kickstarter)
Saturday4:00 PM EDT  Marriott: Marriott Ballroom 4

How to Create When the World is On Fire (panel)
Saturday5:00 PM EDT  Marriott: Marriott Ballroom 2

Fri 10:30am-11:30am  Table Talks 29
 
Sat 12:00pm-1:00pm  Spilling the Tea and Coffee: Women in the Industry Meetup
For industry pros only. Bring a beverage and let's network!

Sat 3:00pm-4:00pm  Writing & Publishing in Different Genres

Sat 6:00pm-7:00pm   Autographs


So that is my update for now. If there are specific things you'd like to hear more about in the next update, please feel free to ask in the comments. 
Your next update will be the week of August 18-22.

Thank you for being part of this project!
Sandra