In the self publishing world, preorders are important. Amazon will usually highlight a new release for about thirty days. The preorder period doesn’t count against that. In order to maximize sales I try and get the next in series on preorder so I can add the link to the current release. Usually I’ll put the release date out six months, knowing I can bring it forward when the book is ready.
That means the book is usually available for preorder before I begin to write it—a bit of a scary proposition. Usually I have a pretty good idea of the plot. At least enough to create a cover and description that fits.
Wood’s Gamble didn’t work out that way. I envisioned the book as a treasure hunt. After attending a presentation by Brian Schmitt in Key West about the history of mapping the Keys and Gulf Stream I though it would be a good storyline for Mac to use the archaic and usually inaccurate maps to discover a long lost treasure.
I even started the book with Mac and Pamela out on the reef looking for the location. Then a funny thing happened. Instead of discovering Spanish gold, they saw three shipping containers floating toward them. The plot then veered into more current events with a Russian oligarch trying to use the contents of the containers to trade with the US government for immunity.
After the first few chapters there is no mention of treasure at all, so I decided to change the cover and description to better match the story.
When several shipping containers are lost during a tropical storm, an unexpected and deadly chain of events is set in motion.
A Russian oligarch plans to trade the contents of the containers for immunity. But when Mac Travis discovers what is inside, he is compelled to stop the transaction.
A story that highlights the beauty of the Keys while exposing their undesirable underbelly, Wood’s Gamble features the unique character of the island chain. Filled with boating, diving, and fishing, with plenty of action, unique characters, and stunning locations, escape on a tropical adventure in the latest in the bestselling Mac Travis Adventures.
I’m working my way through the last few chapters in the first draft. Next week I’ll start the two rewrites I do before turning the manuscript over to my editor. The book is scheduled for a January 1 release.