Categories: Personal updatesThe Third Heaven Series

Progress Report!

Ok for those that are wondering where we are at on my first novel. There are some great things in the works!

I have gone back into the story and added more to help flesh out the characters more, and have added a glossary to the work.

I’ve had some great comments, about the novel ranging from, “…literally made me stop reading and repent for my sins…I’m not kidding.”

To, “I loved it. I had to keep reminding myself that this was inspired and not hard facts! The details in the descriptions you gave really helped me visualize the entire story.”

So after some serious thought, I’ve decided that I’m going to go both routes and seek out an agent but also self-publish. I just feel more in control with the self publishing route, and I think with the right marketing plan on my part I can do it.

I have managed to find a editor who is very reasonable and hoping to submit my manuscript for review in May/June. June at the latest. Obviously I want to make the work the best I can make it so having a professional editor review it for grammar and such will go a long way. I’m expecting this cost to run about 400-500 dollars.

I have secured where I expect to have the cover produced so it is just about acquiring the funds at this point. This too shall be about 200-500 dollars

I have made the decision to self-publish, and am spending a lot of time developing a marketing plan.

I am confident that with exposure the book will do well. It’s that great of a story!

Lastly, because of the expense I am strongly looking at using Kickstarter to raise some funds to get the work off the ground. So look for a possible blog that explains more about this.

Lastly, I have an awesome new trailer that I plan to debut. I’m just waiting for the right time.

In the meantime, I am working on the 2^nd novel in the series, and contemplating finishing a small nonfiction work that I’ve had on the back burner for a while and turn it into an ebook. So there’s lots going on and I want to thank all my followers for your support! I’m seeing that building a platform is more about time and patience than anything else. But I’m starting to get the hang of it!

Thanks for being early adopters!

Lastly, as some may or may not know I’ve been challenged to find full time work so things have been very difficult to say the least. But I’m still looking up! Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers that opportunities will open up and I can finally secure full time employment. In the meantime, I’m working on using what’s in my ‘hand’. which is my writing gift. So thanks for the few who’ve supported me.

Donovan

Donovan M. Neal is the Amazon best-selling independently published author of the Third Heaven Series: a speculative Christian fantasy four book series that explores the captivating story about the fall of Lucifer. The book takes readers on an epic journey through the celestial realms, offering a unique perspective on the events surrounding Lucifer’s rebellion and his descent into darkness. In this imaginative tale, Donovan weaves together elements of Christian theology, angelic mythology, and fantastical world-building. The story delves into the cosmic conflict between good and evil, painting a vivid picture of the spiritual warfare that unfolded in the heavens. Donovan has published eleven books and is currently working on publishing five more in the year 2023 alone. His books have reached thirteen countries including India, Japan, the Philippines, Mexico, Brazil and across Europe, Canada and the US. He has sold over thirty thousand units of his books and generated over a quarter million in gross sales part time and without an agent. Donovan has produced fiction; non-fiction and most recently published a graphic novel. His genre of preference is fantasy and he has been named among such notable authors as Frank Perretti, Brian Godawa, and the late Dr. Michael S. Heiser. When he’s not writing or working, Donovan can be found gaming or enjoying various forms of media. He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) and a graduate degree in Non-profit Management from Walden University. Prior to his current career, Donovan served in ordained ministry from 1993-2011 and has extensive experience teaching the Bible. You can learn more about him professionally if you would like by clicking here. His favorite movie is the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. He also enjoys gaming and can be found on the Playstation5 deep in Destiny 2, He’s owned most gaming systems all the way back from Atari and Pong! and has made several friends from his beloved days on World of Warcraft. A lover of such classics as chess and backgammon he loves most games and the strategy behind them. When he is not imagining comic conflicts between good and evil he is helping to secure employment for housing insecure women as the Executive Director of a non-profit in the city of Detroit and also serves in the prayer and discipleship ministry of his local church.