Making Waves:
From Creation to Completion
THE AUDIENCE
Young adult readers
Athletic girls
Aspiring Young Adult readers
Reluctant Readers
DUTIES
Pitch ideas
60,000-word manuscript draft that aligns with brand standard
Revisions with the editor
Copyedits
Marketing
TOOLS USED
Adobe Illustrator Sketch
Microsoft Word
Google Suite
Writer’s Notebook
Adobe InDesign
PREWRITING
Written and published in 2012, Making Waves was one of my favorite books to write since it combined my three loves—summer, sun, and surf. The main character was also named after my youngest daughter, whom I was pregnant with while writing the book. Whether it’s instructional design, graphic design, or writing, the creative process is based on theoretical and educational background along with a deep understanding of the creative process.
During the prewriting process, I research and read the popular novels within the genre. I also viewed movies and television shows that aligned with the brand.
Three pitches were sent to Penguin's editor. The feedback focused on the main character’s struggle to fit in with her friends at an affluent Malibu beach club while working and competing as a lifeguard. A chapter-by-chapter breakdown was also sent to make sure the book followed the others in the series.
DRAFTING
This particular project had a quick turnaround—sixty-thousand words were due in six weeks. As with most projects, drafts are turned in early to give the editor, business, or client enough time to make revisions.
REVISIONS
Making Waves underwent three revisions. Before the last draft was submitted, I sent it to five beta readers, including two young adult authors and three young adults (testing), to receive their feedback and suggestions.
EDITING
After the revised draft is approved, the final stage of creation includes editing. Edits were sent via the line editor. A sampling is below.
PUBLISHING
The galleys and proofs received final approval, the reviews were in, and it was time to celebrate. Making Waves: Pretty Tough Book 5 was published by Penguin on April 16th, 2012. Making Waves was the third out of four Pretty Tough books published by Penguin and the sixth book out of ten total published so far.
Jessica Mendoza, ESPN analyst and Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist