Dear Readers and Reviewers,
Today marks a milestone that has touched me deeply – my debut novel "6 Degrees" received its first Amazon review. As I sit here reflecting on this moment, my heart is full of gratitude. To the reader who took the time to share their thoughts, and to every future reader and reviewer: your engagement with my work means everything.
Many don't see the long road that leads to a published novel. It began with a single word, then a sentence, gradually building into chapters that would eventually become "6 Degrees." Each page represents countless hours at my desk, wrestling with characters who sometimes refused to cooperate, and plot threads that needed careful weaving. The solitary nature of writing means spending countless hours in your own head, hoping that the story taking shape will someday resonate with others.
The journey from manuscript to published book has been both humbling and enlightening. Through developmental editing, I learned to strengthen the story's backbone, deepen character motivations, and tighten plot arcs. The copyline editing phase taught me the importance of clarity and consistency, while proofreading demanded a level of precision I hadn't known I was capable of. Each stage shaped not just the book, but me as a writer.
Now, in the world of self-publishing, I've discovered that writing was just the beginning. Marketing, platform-building, and connecting with readers require a different kind of creativity altogether. But nothing – not the late-night writing sessions, not the rounds of editing, not the publishing challenges – compares to the feeling of knowing that someone has read my words and taken the time to share their thoughts.
Every review, whether it's a detailed analysis or a simple star rating, represents a reader who gave their precious time to my story. As an author, this is the greatest gift I could receive. Your reviews don't just help other readers find my book; they contribute to a larger conversation about stories and how they touch our lives.
With deepest appreciation, Cass Kellie
