Recently, a reader asked me about the editing process for The Syd Brixton TimeBlink series, and her surprise was palpable as I detailed the rigorous marathon that my latest instalment, Dragonfly, had undergone the past several months.
I explained that the journey begins the moment I type The End on the initial draft and send it off to my trusted beta readers. Their fresh eyes catch the slips and trips that I, too close to the story, might miss. Sometimes their impact is profound. For instance, a passionate comment from one beta reader prompted a complete rewrite of Dragonfly’s ending.
Once I’ve incorporated this feedback and have done a final read-through, the manuscript is ready for the editor’s touch. This is the crux of the editing process—a collaboration that breathes life into the pages.
Over several weeks, she’ll dissect each chapter, question character motivations, and point out plot inconsistencies. She’ll painstakingly review the text for clarity and flow, correct typos, and refine the grammar to ensure the final manuscript reads smoothly and is free of errors.
The manuscript I get back is typically a daunting sight, brimming with comments and suggestions on every page. However, I take a deep breath and remind myself that my editor isn’t there to congratulate me on a job well done. She’s there to steer me through yet another round of refinement.
During this time, I put every aspect of the book under the microscope, and the story often changes in ways I couldn’t have anticipated when I first set out to write it. This is the beauty of editing—it’s a process where the story matures, sharpens, and ultimately shines.
With the editing finished, I’m ready to share my story with the world.
To showcase a bit of the editorial journey, below is a before-and-after snapshot of Dragonfly‘s evolution. You’ll find excerpts marked with my editor’s insightful notes paired with the refined text that graces the final publication.
But be warned, there are spoilers ahead for those who haven’t read Flight 444, book two in this series. If you prefer to avoid them, save this peek behind the curtain for later. Otherwise, dive in and see how a rough draft evolves into the TimeBlink stories you’ve come to love.
Example 1: This shows my editor’s suggestion not to complicate things by making up a fake camera brand.
After my edits:
Example 2: The sheer number of edits I need to consider.
After my edits:
Example 3: My editor doesn’t miss a thing…grammar issues, misused words, characters’ incongruent motivations. She finds them all!
After my edits:
So, you see, crafting a book is more than a quick sprint to the finish line—it’s a marathon. And it’s one I intend to run for as long as my imagination allows.
I’d love to hear from you—your thoughts and comments are always welcome, and I make it a point to respond to each one.