We’ve dropped a few mentions of working on the book lately, so we figured it was about time for another post about the process. Our post two months ago mostly covered the journey to getting the book deal and the beginning stages of writing, but now we’re really in the weeds of things so there’s definitely more to share… and we don’t have to use pics of Burger to illustrate it this time! Sorry Burger.
At the time of our last book post two months back, we had turned in our 160-ish page completed outline and were beginning to coordinate the design process with our publisher. If you recall, the book is a compilation of 250-some ideas for “how to show your home some love” (everything from small art projects, little tweaks, and quick ideas to bigger makeovers involving paint & furniture). Things were trotting along nicely and our publisher, Artisan, was trying to figure out whether to keep our Fall 2012 release date or hold off until Spring of 2013. Sherry and I begged for the earlier date and they agreed – but it meant putting the pedal to the metal. So we buckled our seat belts…
- In a matter of two weeks (the two weeks that happened to fall over Christmas and New Year’s) we had to turn our finished outline into a completely written book. Yikes. But we put our heads down and two dizzying weeks later we had the manuscript done. Phew.
- When we turned the manuscript in to our publisher, she took the next week to read the entire thing and we braced ourselves for edits or rewrites.
- She finished without any major edits (really?!) so it went off to a copy editor – someone who would read it for nitty gritty stuff like grammar and punctuation. It spent a week or so there before coming back to us.
- As you saw in last Monday’s post, this baby arrived last Saturday as a hard copy. Our manuscript now officially lives as a printed document that has our publisher’s edits and the copy editor’s notes marked up in different colored pencils. Our task was to use our designated blue pencil (they included it in the FedEx box) to respond to any questions, agree (or disagree with) all edits, and make any final changes. Scary. Especially because as a single-spaced, single-sided document it’s 375 pages long. We thought it was really funny because we assumed it would all be done via email, so getting a giant chunk of paper overnighted to our house felt sort of official and old-fashioned, but that’s apparently how it’s still done these days! It’s actually a lot easier to absorb the info and catch errors while “really” reading it (as opposed to reading it off of a computer screen) so it ended up being really helpful.
- Once again, we hunkered down and plowed through. It was due back to the publisher by yesterday so we overnighted it to them on Saturday afternoon. Bless Sherry for having the focus to sit down for two days straight and do pretty much nothing but focus on that. It’s how she spent all of last weekend while I watched Clara (and did kitchen stuff while the bean napped).
- After 16+ hours (broken up over two days) just to read through the thing, we then scrambled to fill in some gaps and rewrite some sections just to further explain a few projects/ideas in the remaining four days. Then back to the publisher it went…
But the manuscript is only half of the book process adventure right now. It’s probably less than half, actually. Maybe a third? Because what’s really keeping us busy is prepping for the photo shoots that began yesterday morning. So here’s what’s been going down on that end of things:
- With the 250-ish ideas we’re including, about 100 are going to be photographed. Another 100 will be illustrated and the remaining ones are pretty self-explanatory tips that make sense without an image. So that means 100 of the projects/sets need to be done so we’ve got something to actually photograph. Can we say yikes again? Anyone with a blog knows that churning out enough projects to keep things interesting (maybe 3-4 a week?) is a pretty substantial task. But completing 100 secret projects on top of that? Crazytown. But things are really exciting and fun in Crazytown so we totally can’t complain. Or sleep. But sleep is so 2011. At least that’s what we’ve been telling ourselves as we whirl through projects into the early morning. At least we got to knock out a bunch of them leading up to the shoots, so some are already waiting in the wings to be shot.
- We didn’t really start full force on all of the projects until after the manuscript was turned in for the first time after New Year’s (we didn’t want to do a project that we or the publisher decided to later kill for some reason – but we did churn out a bunch that we knew would stay in). Not doing them all with a lot of lead time beforehand did mean that for those remaining projects, we did only have about 30 days to do them. Eeks. So on pretty much any night over the past month you could find us painting, hanging, sewing, cutting, and shopping for up to five projects. And that pace will continue for the next three weeks until shooting wraps (since many things have to get shot as “before” and “process” pics before being completed). But it’s fun because we’re transforming some pretty ugly things, like this old rusted thrift store table:
- As much work as it’s been, we’re not doing it completely alone. Our publisher hired a producer to help keep things organized (100 ideas doesn’t just mean 100 photos, since many have a before, process, and after shots attached to them – so it’s a lot to keep straight and schedule). We also have someone who has been a big help when it comes to gathering supplies for us. Sometimes it’s faster for us to just grab things while we’re out and sometimes we email her and say “ahhhh, can you help us get blank by such and such a date so we can sand and paint it in time to shoot it? Thanks!”
- And of course we’ve got a pro photographer who’s going to make everything look prettier than we ever possibly could with our little Nikon. So our “crew” of helpers aren’t exactly elves who do all the projects at night (we wish!) but it certainly takes a load off to have such a great team. Since we’re ultimately the people who have to choose all of the items, do all of the projects, decide what rooms/corners to shoot all of the photos, and style all of the shots, we’re still burning the midnight oil.
- As for where things for the book are coming from, we have a pretty modest book budget so we’ve been stalking craigslist, thrift stores, and even borrowing items from some of our favorite stores with their blessing (they’ll be returned in three weeks when shooting wraps). The nice thing about a modest budget is that it keeps us honest (there are a good amount of under $50, under $25, under $5, and even some free projects in our book, so that’s pretty exciting to cheap-os like us). And yes, sometimes Sherry gets hyper when we’re picking out accessories (our aim is to style things so they look fresh for you guys, since reusing all the things we already have around our house that you’ve seen a million times would be kind of stale).
- And our house? Well, it’s a mess. We’ve got projects at mid-completion here and there (we need to save some that are halfway done to shoot progress photos, so we can’t just knock them all out at once). We’ve got tons of thrifted furniture piled in the sunroom just waiting for a makeover. There are a bunch of fabric and frames and accessories stacked on the dining table. Paint cans pepper the floor. We even have frames missing from the hallway where we’ve repurposd them for book projects. Nothing is sacred. Haha. Again, in a word, it’s a mess. But it’s pretty exciting chaos.
- Being the over-sharers that we are, we’d love to tell all of the details of every project right now (#ohmanit’skillingus). But I’m not sure our publisher would be very happy with us ruining the surprise. So here are a few hint-y sneak peeks:
- Our guestroom has kinda become home to all of the completed projects. The dining room is home to all of the things in progress and the sunroom is where we’re housing all of the things we can’t touch until before photos are taken. Here’s sort of what they look like (well, as much as we can show ya)…
- So that thing that Sherry mentioned at the end of yesterday’s post that lasts three weeks is some pretty crazy-but-exciting book photography. Most of it will be going on from 8:30am to 6pm four days per week for the next three weeks, so nearly our entire February will be spent on a photography set. Well, actually the set is our house for the most part – so it’ll be three weeks of being in our house-turned-photo-studio. We finish just a few days before flying out to Oregon for the Portland Home & Garden Show, so it will definitely be a jam-packed month. Thank goodness it’s only 29 days long!
- Yes, we’re pretty much hosting a little crew of people in our house for the better part of a month so we’ll have to tell you how that goes! They’re all awesomesauce so far, and yesterday we banged out a ton of before photos and as soon as they left we were painting and upholstering and doing all the things we can now do since those “before” shots are in the can. Gotta tell ya, it feels good to get this thing going – and we already can’t wait for the book to be out so we can spill the beans about all these secrets. We’re taking lots of behind the scenes photos to share with you guys this fall when it comes out!
Update: Lots of folks are asking what we’ll be doing with all those secret projects/items once the book is shot. We’re actually hoping to do a charity auction/giveaway with some of them (not sure how shipping will work though) and some items have to be returned, etc. Maybe one or two especially sentimental ones will stay at our house, but they’re all “bonus” projects (we didn’t “design” any of them to fit into our house, which is actually really freeing since we can have fun with lots of color/fabric/textures, etc) so it should be fun to see where they end up!
So our apologies to anyone who left a comment yesterday and took a little longer than normal to see it pop up or get a response! We’re definitely juggling things over here when it comes to keeping the blog and the book (and the bean) attended to. And as nuts as the next month is going to be for us, we’re so grateful for the opportunity and so excited to share the whole crazy journey with you guys as we go. Anyone else dealing with someone visiting them for weeks on end? Or keeping 100+ secrets that are slowly burning a hole through their brains? Tell us about it. Or just tell us how crazy our house looks. Go.
Psst- Thank goodness our bean sleeps the night away so we can get stuff done (check out her technique over on Young House Life).
Rachel Tatem says
That’s awesome… a lot of work but what a great process to be apart of!
Teresa @ wherelovemeetslife says
I would love to hear someone say that blogging is a “hobby”. Sheesh… you guys put people with regular jobs to shame. Seriously.
Anxiously awaiting that book!!!
Missy says
I love the white and teal pillows on the living room couch. Have we seen them before? Did you make or buy? Love them!
And great job with the blog and book and everything else. Whew. I would be taking so many deep breaths right now if I were you!
YoungHouseLove says
Those are from HomeGoods! Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Jen says
I’m so excited! We need a pre-order stat. Is this going to be a coffee table-style book or something smaller? I vote coffee table style. Cuz you know. I get a vote.
YoungHouseLove says
It’ll be about 8.5 x 8.5″ and softcover to keep it cheap-o! Haha. But the cover will be cute- at least we hope it will! So it’ll definitely live on our coffee table (or ottoman I guess, haha).
xo,
s
Mali says
So excited!! I know you guys work on things during Clara naps but I hope your family is helping out with baby-sitting too! I can’t imagine all the things you guys are juggling! Can’t wait to order my book!!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, the grandparents are helping! Whew!
xo,
s
tinajo says
Sounds so awesome – good luck with everything! Great legacy for your daughter. :-)
Ana Silva says
I cannot wait for your book!! I am definetly picking up a few copies. I’m so excited for you guys and myself, hehe. Keep up the awesome work, you guys are rock stars!
OntarioGirl says
You guys are honestly amazing! I don’t know how you manage to juggle all of this. Truly an inspiration! I can’t wait until the book comes out!! :)
Robin says
OMG!!! I’m cracking up over here over the photo captions. Can’t wait for your book. Can we pre-order yet?
YoungHouseLove says
This summer I think! We’ll keep you posted!
xo,
s
Jenny says
Clearly you’re crazy busy but..where does that awesome turquoise spidery pillow come from? The front one in the fourth pic down, that looks like it’s maybe made out of wool, turquoise and off-white. Thank you!!
YoungHouseLove says
HomeGoods!
xo,
s
alg at rental house rules says
You guys are so lucky to be young — Just reading about your schedule makes me want to hide under a table! Way to go you crazy kids, ya! (I’m gonna go drink my Metamucil & watch some Matlock.)
Karitas says
Do you people have more than 24 hours in a day ?! It seems that way to me!! Maybe I´m just not making the most of my time…. I wonder :)
It all looks CRAZY, in a good way! How exciting everything looks :) Can´t wait to buy a copy of your book :D
With love from Iceland
-Karitas
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- we just don’t sleep! We keep saying “we’ll sleep in March!” – and we’re drinking lots of water and trying to eat our veggies. Can’t get sick because it’ll slow us down! Haha.
xo,
s
Hannah says
Yay! So exciting! I know I’m not the only one, but I definitly appreciate your dedication to the book, blog, and your readers!
Haha–even Burger wanted to photo bomb their pictures. LOL. So adorable!
Jenny says
One thing that I’m looking forward to about the book is the budget for the book. You mentioned that there are a lot of cheaper projects which for the state of the economy is rather timely. But yeah, I’m definitely looking forward to seeing it… Good luck on all the craziness going on right now! I’d love to see a follow up post regarding the craziness that went on after you can release some more details.
Lindsey says
Wow can’t believe how busy you guys are! I am so ready for your book to come out. It is already at the top of my wish list! Love you guys!!
Alli says
AH! Can’t even wait for the book. Can you come to Chicago to sign autographs?
Also — I die to know your sources. Where are the new couch pillows from!?
YoungHouseLove says
Those are from HomeGoods and West Elm and there’s even a pillow made from Crate & Barrel pillows!
xo,
s
Kim says
So exciting about the new book but what I want to know about even more are the new pillows behind the manuscript. Did I miss something?
YoungHouseLove says
I’ve had that for ages (it used to live in our first house’s office on the couch). It’s from West Elm!
xo,
s
Jen says
We are SO EXCITED for you! Thank you for making all of us here in Richmond, Va. proud!!!! I can’t wait to see the finished product and hopefully you will do some local book signings because I would love to own a signed copy when the time comes.
Leslie says
I have been following your blog for ages and I’m ridiculously pleased that you are having such success. Gosh..I’m thrilled to get a project a month done. You guys put me and my husbs to shame. Also, don’t know if you’ve ever made it to the Value Village’s up in the DC area. It’s the kind of place where I yell, “SCORE!” every time I find something. Yeah, I’m dorky like that.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- I can’t wait to check it out!
xo,
s
Rebecca @ the lil house that could says
God bless you guys, I don’t know how you do it. But I wish I could do it too :)
My first reaction to the stack of paper with the colored pencil was like “why not google docs or something!” “word with tracked changes?!” then you said it yourself. Too funny, but very true that when I really need to read something and make notes, I still prefer to print and use highlighter/post-its!
Wendy Nickson says
Holy cow. I can’t believe how much is going on in that house of yours. It makes my time management skills look pathetic! I hope you have some time and energy to use that lovely new kitchen of yours; if I lived close to you, I thnk I would stop by and drop off some homemade frozen dinners….
Mia says
SOOO glad you guys pushed for the earlier date (even if it means pushing yourself a little harder) I cannot wait for this book. It’s going to be a great, “Your house is lame, but you ignore me when I say that, so maybe this book will work,” gift.
kaycee parker says
IM SO EXCITED FOR YOUR BOOK!! I’m jumping for joy excited, really. It will be the most appreciated and loved book in my home, most likely for the rest of my life. I’ve never been connected to anyone who’s written a book that interests me as much as this one will.
Thats a whole lot of crap in your house!
I am on a team who produces videos for students taking online degrees at Full Sail University. I know what it’s like to have all that equipment taking up space in your house… the lights, the cameras, the power cords you can’t trip over, all those stupid stands to hold up all that stupid equipment. Not fun! I’m glad too see you’re getting good help though, it’ll all be worth it in the end.
Can’t wait cant wait can’t wait.
Let me know if you need help, I’m a jack of all trades. Seriously.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Kaycee! You’re sweet!
xo,
s
Angelique says
When I was growing up, my Oma and Opa (grandparents) from the Netherlands would visit us for 3 months every two years or so. I loved them dearly, but 3 months was a LONG TIME. Looking back though, I am incredibly grateful that I had that quality time with them. Wouldn’t trade it for anything.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, so sweet!
xo,
s
Linda says
I hope you can feel all the good vibes coming your way from your readers! I’m good with whatever you do, as long as there’s at least one good shot of Clara and Burger in the book!
PS – Aura – best paint ever – at least for this novice painter. Did my hall bathroom with it – and even my kitties didn’t seem to notice much of an odor.
Stephanie says
AMAZING!!! I cant wait to buy it:)
Sunnie says
You’re blog has quickly become my favorite to read. I look forward to it every day around 10:30 a.m. and I CAN’T WAIT to read your book!! Keep up the great work!
Darcy says
HOLY COW! I am soo excited to see your book, and I am even more excited that I have already crossed people off my christmas shopping list this early! (its a record I tell ya!) Your book is going to be the big gift of 2012, I can feel it!!
But seriously, I hope you guys are going to be able to get some rest and rejuvenation time over the next 3 weeks! I am happy to hear they will be shooting at your house 4 days of the week. So, you’ll have time to rest (at least a little) on those off days. Im sure you will be looking forward to having some time away after all this craziness — may I recommend a couples massage while you are away — if anybody deserves a massage, its you two!!!
Karen F says
yay, I guessed correctly! :)
how. do. you. do. it? Seriously! I’ll have whatever you’re having, because you are amazing. I’m psyched if I manage to get a load of laundry done by the time the day is over.
And I rarely buy books, but I SO can’t wait to get yours!
Good luck with everything, guys! xx
Karen F says
also, so sorry to bother you with a second comment, but if you get a chance can you take a peek at your facebook? I asked you an urgent pinata question LOL. Totally understand if you don’t get to it, and maybe someone else will chime in since you have such helpful readers. Thanks guys!
YoungHouseLove says
Just answered it! Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Karen F says
thank you so much for taking the time to respond, with everything else you have going on. you are the best!
YoungHouseLove says
No worries Karen!
xo,
s
Ericka says
OMG! You guys are craaaazy busy! SOOO excited to see your book and I am SOOO buying it!!!! I don’t usually buy books (too cheap) and prefer to borrow from my local library, but with you guys I’m making an exception:)
Cannot wait!!!!!
Ren says
*sniff*
these are tears of happiness, not jealousy…
*sniff*
promise.
haha jk, I really am super happy for you guys! Someday when the circumstances are right, the Petersiks will be part of the inspiration I need to quit my desk job and stay home and craft to my little diy heart’s content!!
Happy New Book!
Bethany says
YAYAYAY! whoo! so excited!!
regan says
what about the turqoise and white pillow thats right behind the manuscript? west elm too?
YoungHouseLove says
That’s HomeGoods!
xo,
s
Staci says
I am so excited for both of you!! It sounds like a crazy busy whirlwind dream come true! And I must know where you got the red and white ikat-ish fabric that’s poking out in some of the pictures? Pretty please? No? Oh well…..
YoungHouseLove says
That’s from a local fabric store called U-Fab. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Satty says
Just stumbled across this blog a couple of weeks ago after my husband and I bought our first home that needs MAJOR updating! LOL Thanks for the inspiring posts and I know the book will be a huge success. Congrats!
Courtney says
That is SOOooo exciting! I love it when a plan comes together…..(ha) Seriously though, congrats on living the dream!
Danni says
Very exciting! Can’t wait until it’s out.
I do think it’s funny that book publishers are still doing hard copy edits. In science publications (even longer articles or books) this is passe. All edits are done electronically with notes, rejections, etc all handled via Adobe or online portals. This could be because a lot of publishers have international offices though?
The hard copy way looks so much more Hemingway sophisticated, although not so green!
Holly says
This is so great, I am so excited!! Could a book tour be part of this?
YoungHouseLove says
We’re planning to do some touring. Not quite sure how all of that will work yet (it’s sort of up to the publisher). But we’ll certainly keep everyone posted!
-John
Hil says
Hmmm… if you are doing a tour, maybe you could do in-person giveaways with some of the projects during readings/signings. Especially if you are coming to MN ;-)
Lehigh says
My goodness…congratulations! What a whirlwind! I have to ask, whatever will you do with all of the ‘output’ from the projects? I’m assuming that it won’t all tie into your decorating scheme, so you are going to have hundreds of new creations! I wonder what will become of them all. Good luck and try to get a little rest!
YoungHouseLove says
We just wrote an update on the bottom of this post for ya about that (common question). Haha.
xo,
s
Anne says
Very exciting! I’m tired for you just thinking about it all! It’s great to see good things happen to nice people. Well, people who seem very nice on their lovely website and I’m sure are just as nice in person!(Okay…how do you say that without sounding like a stalker or something??!) You get it, right?
Good Luck!
YoungHouseLove says
Got it! And thank you!
-John
Julie says
This is so exciting. It’s almost like Christmas! I can’t wait.
Can we pre-order the book?
Thanks for making the owrld a brighter place!
YoungHouseLove says
Not sure the details of that yet, but I’d be surprised if it’s not available for pre-order on Amazon.com or something. We’ll be sure to let everyone know the moment it’s available for order!
-John
Alysha says
Holy Cow!! THis is really insane. I just started a blog last week, and I can’t believe it is taking over my life. lol Seriously I have to make a focused effort to talk about anything else. I don’t know how you guys do all that you do! Amazing. Give my blog some love if you get time… probably impossible, unless you actually did clone yourself. http://aparkspot.weebly.com/index.html
YoungHouseLove says
Haha – I love it! Happy blogging!
xo,
s
Letty says
Just wanted to stop by and say Wahoooo! So freaking exciting, guys! I cannot wait for the book to come out! So yeah, I’m just really excited for you!
Erin @ The Impatient Gardener says
Wow, very exciting stuff. I really don’t know when you guys sleep.
I work at a magazine and we proof everything on hard copy at least three times, and that’s after it’s been edited on screen. It’s amazing what you miss when it’s on screen vs. on paper. Paperless society … I don’t think so!
Jennifer says
I’ve had to be a part of photo shoots for my job, but I could not imagine it being part of my house for a month – so crazy! But it sounds so exciting and fun. What a life experience!!
Val says
Oh my goodness!! It’s so freaking exciting!! Thank you thank you thank you for the sneak peek! I love that one photo of Burger being the photographer’s assistant. I can’t believe you’re still posting everyday with all this craziness!
You definitely have to take the family to Hawaii when it’s all over with. You’ve probably earned it like, three times over by now.
Julie B. says
Excited to see the book!
Kristal says
It’s so funny that you would post this today b/c I was just thinking yesterday “I wonder what’s going on w/the YHL book.” I absolutely cannot wait for it to come out. Will you write a post to us letting us know when it’s available in stores/amazon.com (or wherever you plan on selling it)? That would be super!
YoungHouseLove says
Of course! We’ll definitely keep you guys posted!
xo,
s
cappy says
Keep going!!!! Looks great…love the sneak peaks! I am so excite to see what you are doing with those snazzy paint colors!!! Did I see HOT PINK!!??!!! I am really wondering how you are all doing this with a toddler? I am so suprised she is not into everything. Can not wait for the book!
YoungHouseLove says
She’s so funny! Clara walks right up to them and says “No touching Mommy’s paint! That’s Mommy’s paint!” – she loves it. Sometimes she taps the top of them just to “test us” – haha, but we have yet to see her try to pick them up. Then I’d start to worry…
xo,
s
Ashley says
This might be too personal a question but I’m just curious….what will happen when you make millions from your book (cuz, come on guys, you know it’s going to be a best seller!)? Do you think you’ll be the same penny-pinchers you are now?
BTW, I am beyond excited for you!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- I don’t think that’ll happen (book authors typically get a very small percentage of royalties that then go through the agent who gets a cut, so I think only folks like Stephanie Meyers and J K Rowling make millions- haha) but even if we were to end up with more money in the bank, we’ll always be cheapos at heart! I think we’d just put money away for retirement and college for Clara and future siblings and keep doing what we know and love – we’re DIYers for life!
xo,
s