I’ve turned in the manuscript for Usurpation, the third book in the Semiosis trilogy. At the end of the second book, Interference, rainbow bamboo has been taken to Earth and is flourishing, and Stevland tells them to protect and dominate the humans. But how? The third book tells that story.
Usurpation should appear in bookstores in October 2024.
A whole year from now! Yes, it seems like a long time, but a lot still needs to be done. My editor at Tor might suggest a few more changes, such as adding a scene that could strengthen the story. Then the manuscript will be sent to a copyeditor.
Good copyeditors are far, far more than proofreaders. As they go over the manuscript, they will make a glossary or stylesheet of names of characters, places and other terms, and they’ll check to see that they are used consistently. They’ll note distinctive formatting or punctuation, and make sure the text conforms overall to the Chicago Manual of Style and a standard reference dictionary. They might need to check facts, such as dates of actual historic events. They also look for inconsistencies in the story: Becky might have blue eyes in Chapter 2 but brown eyes in Chapter 3. They’ll go line by line and make sure every sentence makes sense. Copyeditors have saved me from many howling mistakes, and they have my affection and respect. I don’t want them to rush.
After I review and approve the copyeditor’s changes and suggestions, the manuscript will be typeset, which is an art in itself. Then it will be proofread — twice. The proofreaders might have additional questions for me.
Meanwhile, an artist will design the cover. Finally, the package will be sent to a printer, and the printed books will be sent to a distributor.
If there’s an audiobook, and I’m sure there will be, the audiobook publisher will select the narrator, who will begin the work of reading the novel aloud creatively.
The final steps are marketing, sales, and publicity, and I may have a lot to do to promote Usurpation before and after the publication date.
Still, for me, the hard part is done, and right now, I’m thinking about my next novel. It won’t be about talking trees … but what? It’s a nice problem to have to solve. Any suggestions?
Sue Burke 
Congratulations. Wow, it takes a year from this point to the bookstore. I had no idea. Good that you always have another one starting!
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There’s a lot to do. A book looks like a one-person project, but there’s a whole crew! I appreciate all of them.
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I have enjoyed both of the Semiosis books, and look forward to the 3rd, thank you for writing it. I was intrigued by your ability to create such rounded characters that their thoughts are as distinct as a presence is. I would like to read more of your books now, I find this a literary sophistication lacking in much of the reading I try to enjoy. I liked this series as much as I liked “Murderbot Diaries” for that very reason. So many of your characters I wanted more of, like Nye, Karola, Arthur. Again, thank you for writing these books.
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Thank you! I tried to create people who would feel real, and I’m glad to know I succeeded.
I love “Murderbot” too!
Thank you again,
Sue
P.S. Sorry for the slow reply. I’ve been traveling.
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Just got Usurption in the mail today, pre ordered like 7 months ago through barnes and noble, Semiosis is my favorite series! Thank you for making these amazing works! Since this book takes place on earth and you’re saying it’s the finale, I was wondering will you ever revisit Pax to explore the reveals from the last book? That there are glassmaker and rainbow bamboo populations on the other continent, and the ground coral have been sapient the whole time, abd apparently hate them. (Or is this followed up on in Usurption and I’m just not far enough along yet. Lol) Anyway loving Usurption so far, love the series and the world regardless of if you ever go back. 🙂
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Thank you, Joey! Yes, this book stays on Earth. I have no plans right now to return to the series, but if I did, those are all good questions. And the prequel: how did Stevland become the lone survivor in his continent? What happens if rainbow bamboo seeds get to another planet — will they try to dominate there, too? There’s a lot left to write about.
Thank you again, and remember, compassion will give you courage.
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