I am working on editing my first manuscript for an epic fantasy with a romantic sub plot. I've always loved reading and writing but lost my way when I went to college for graphic design. Some five years ago now I started reading again and then about three years ago I got the itch to write again. Out came a 114,000 word manuscript and a notebook full of plans for the sequential novels. Now I need to polish it—which is needs heaps of even though I believe the bones are really good. I have had one alpha reader go through the first 23k words and give me feedback that I will now be applying to the entire thing. At which point I will see where I feel the work is then, and proceed! I intend to self publish of course as I find the industry to be very gate kept—for reasons I can understand. But I intend to retain control over my work as well, which has also motivated me to go the self published route. I have recently found a writing group to participate in and will be working on writing shorts to publish while I polish my Big Idea.