Diary of a First Time Author - Episode #3

Editing with Mark Beaumont-Thomas

I asked someone in the publishing industry, while I was still working on the manuscript, how important it was to get a professional edit on my book prior to publication. The response I received was it was absolutely non-negotiable, particularly on my debut effort!!

Ok, it's that important then, not something I can ask a friend to help with!

By this stage of the process I knew I was working on something that was incredibly special to me. Something, that once out in the world, would be there forever, long after I had gone.

Therefore, each part of the process had to be as good as I could make it, within the budget I had available.

I have no idea where this book will take me, what will come of it and whether it will be merely a lovely looking doorstop in years to come! What I do know is that when you hold it in your hand I will be proud to be sharing it with you and know that I've done the best I can.

I'm thrilled to have worked with Mark from Lexicon Marketing throughout the editing process. He 'got' me from the very first draft I sent which was wonderful and a relief. I've been so nervous sharing my writing with the professionals I admire, wondering if it was good enough. I'm pleased to say that, so far, the response has been incredibly positive! Phew!

From the initial draft Mark suggested a few chapters were moved around which I duly set to work on. There were also assumptions I had made about the readers knowledge which he picked up on. Of course, how would some people know about some of the elements I shared, so we added more context.

He also suggested I elaborate on some more personal areas of my life which I had to disagree with and politely explain my reasons why. For me Driven To Achieve is primarily a business book with some personal stories intertwined, as that is how life and careers go. Running parallel to work will be the personal life running alongside.

This book is not a complete memoir of my life and is purposely intended that way. For reasons close to my heart and in protecting others, I was not willing to share the bare bones of past events. So there may be areas of the story where you are left wondering why, how and when, but I hope you respect my wishes to leave you curious.

Huge thanks to Mark for his guidance and support. I'm so pleased to have had him on the 'Driven to Achieve' team!

Mark Beaumont-Thomas from Lexicon Marketing who has edited my book 'Driven To Achieve'

Typesetting with Nat Ravenlock

Again for the typesetting process I considered 'doing it myself' as is my character. However as I've written above the sensible thing to do was seek out a professional to hand over the task.

The thing I've noticed throughout my life is that when I'm on the right path, people magically show up and are so easy to work with that I know they're the right fit!

Enter Nat Ravenlock from The Book Typesetters, based in Newark, a mere 30 minute drive from my home in Lincolnshire. Amazing!

After my initial google search, a view of Nat's website and an email enquiry, he was quickly on the telephone chatting away about his service. All of my queries were answered with ease and confidence and his fee was where I expected it to be.

Boom! I signed up and we set the wheels in motion with a penciled plan of dates ready to go.

Nat asked for the initial draft of the book which was prior to the completed edit. Nervously I sent it across wondering how he was going to set the pages out without the final document.

I work a lot on instincts and trust now, which has taken me many years to allow my naturally 'wanting-to-be-in-control' nature to do.

If I'm engaging professionals I should let them work their magic and trust that they know what they're doing.

Within 24 hours I had a draft chapter of the typeset book to view. Fonts were aligned with the front cover design and I provided some feedback on the paragraph layouts.

Everything was in place for once Mark had completed the edit. I was waiting for something to go wrong, it was all falling into place a little too seamlessly!

An easy process and a joyful person to work with. I've been so lucky to find such great people!

Thank you Nat for your support and guidance.

Nat Ravenlock from The Book Typesetters who laid out the pages for 'Driven To Achieve'

Snippet from the Book

About This Book

 2025 marks a momentous milestone for me, 32 eventful and exciting years in business.

Wow, that blows my mind!

It’s hard to believe how far I’ve come, and when I stop to reflect, I realise it’s time to summarise the lessons I’ve learned along the way and share my stories, for there are many.

I started at the tender age of 15, not having a clear career path in mind. I didn’t have a specific goal of working in business, it sort-of just happened. Growing up in a family where business was always around me, I eventually found myself falling into it naturally.

It wasn’t a conscious decision or a defined career choice; it was simply doing what I had always known and building on the skills and knowledge I had absorbed from a young age.

Fast forward 32 years, and I realise, almost unknowingly, I’d been completing an apprenticeship in business, my very own MBA if you will, learning the ropes, failing occasionally, but growing every single year.

With each challenge, I’ve built more resilience, more determination, and developed the grit that is essential to thrive in business and in life itself.

Throughout my journey, there have been incredible highs, with awards and celebrations, but also deeply painful lows, disappointments, and failures.

But you know what? I wouldn’t change a thing. Every experience has shaped me into who I am today, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

This book combines stories from my own career and personal journey, anecdotes from business people I know personally and admire, and valuable lessons that have shaped my path. This is not a book that needs to be read cover to cover, just dip in and out as you wish.

What I’ve learned is that every journey is unique. My experiences are mine, and yours will be yours. However, I hope that in some way, you’ll find something that resonates with you, something you can take away and use in your own life and business.

If nothing else, I hope you simply enjoy reading these words of mine.

So, here goes...

Until next time... thank you for reading.