You can’t check too much. I received the editorial review from Love Reading of Called to Account the day before last. Called to Account is the fourth book in the Sir Anthony Standen Adventures, due for publication on 8th November. They had some good things to say:
“The author once again uses excellent background knowledge and research to seamlessly integrate fact and fiction in this historical mystery”. – LoveReading
“The tension building in the plot held my attention and I was keen to keep reading to see what would happen. Alongside the investigation we also see feelings grow between Maria and Manuel and the obstacles they could face if their relationship flourishes. I liked this plot line as someone who has read previous books, as it offered opportunities for happiness for Maria, while also not being entirely separate from the conflicts shown in the rest of the story. “- LoveReading
“this series has successfully diversified with the focus on the younger two Standen characters and was an interesting and entertaining historical amateur detective story that I think fans of historical fiction or mysteries will enjoy.” – LoveReading
Unfortunately, or rather, fortunately, the reviewer suggested that it could do with more editing because the first paragraph of chapter five was repeated, and there were a few words missing. I couldn’t believe what I was reading. I’d been through the manuscript over and over, checking it again and again. I’d had it professionally edited and Claire has read it several time too. But there it was. The paragraph was duplicated. So I’ve just had three intense days of going through the manuscript again, checking every word trying to find where these missing words were. I’m so glad I did, because I found another chapter with a repeated first paragraph. I think I’ve got everything as perfect as I possibly can now, and have uploaded the revised manuscript to KDP. Check, check, and check again.
What’s galling is that because I’m working to a timetable on this one, dictated by the radio and podcast interviews being organised for the launch, I sent it out for reviews in one go. So I know that the other reviews are bound to pick up these errors too. I must give myself more time for the fifth book.
On a more positive note, I now have Simon’s audio files for the Fire and Earth audiobook to review. I’ll give myself a short break then get on with reviewing those.