Last year when my first novel, The Prophecy, had its 10th book anniversary, I strongly considered releasing a special 3rd edition. Time got away from me, however, and I set the project aside.

This year, my goal is to reconnect with my writing roots, to enjoy writing again as I haven't in a very long time. To that end, I've thrown myself into updating several of my earliest books. Some, like The Choosing, are getting brand new covers and a long-awaited sequel. I'm also updating the front and back matter to make it easier for readers to find all my books.

But for The Prophecy, I'd like to do something different. I can't take the time to do a full re-edit; my focus this year is more on writing than rewriting. However, I would like to take a good, hard look at the first third of the novel and see if there are places where I can deliver a better experience for readers.

I've also updated the cover, again, courtesy of Wynter Designs. It took us a few weeks to nail the "feel" I was aiming for, but I think Lara did a fantastic job pulling a new cover together.

This is the fourth cover The Prophecy has had in the past eleven years. The first three were designed by Mayhem Cover Creations. The very first cover featured my niece, who kindly agreed to be the cover model.

Anyway, part of the revamp is also about the steps needed to complete the final novel, which also entails trying to revive sales for the entire series (hence the new cover). Hardcore fans just want that final book, but from a financial standpoint, it doesn't make sense for me to spend three to six months writing a novel only a handful of people will read. In other words, I'd like to avoid falling into the sunk cost fallacy with my business so that I can afford to continue writing long-term.

So The Prophecy is getting a new cover and a stronger intro, I'll be looking at ways to market the entire series, and then we'll see how the rest goes. This is just the first step, one of many needed to introduce some of my favorite characters to new readers.

I'll have more news when the updated version is officially released, hopefully within the next six weeks.