Just got a fresh cut persimmon log about 40" long.  You could hear it checking immediately.  I put it in my shed with a coat of titebond iii on the ends.  How should I precede with drying this.  I plan on cutting slats and bamboo backing hopefully next summer.

I would cut into slats now, about 5/8ths of an inch thick then coat with sealer.  It will dry faster and more evenly thus avoiding checks.  Especially if you are going to back it.  Coat all sides.

Semper Fi
Dan Raney

At least split it in half so the moisture has a place to escape from. 40" is pretty short for a selfbow unless your draw is real short. You could splice two pieces to make a longer bow.