If you take a peek at my Instagram, you’ll see me sipping hot cocoa, warming myself by the fireplace, and squirrel-spotting in the maple leaf-strewn streets of Vancouver and Toronto.
These are not my usual end-of-year activities.
November marked more than sightseeing in Canada as part of my ‘day job’ work trip. I was also in the final (and super important) stages of my book edits.
I was caffeinated. A little bit stressed. Very excited. And, yes, enjoying incredible scenery like Niagara Falls.
As carved pumpkins disappeared from doorsteps, and wreaths, garlands, and twinkling lights took their place (Canadians go all-out with Christmas decorations, and I absolutely love it), I was up late, up early, carefully adding the final touches to my debut book, The Feathers of Farwood.
Here’s Where it Travelled:
- Sunshine Coast to Brisbane
- Brisbane to Vancouver (we had a brilliant little Airbnb here with a stunning fireplace)
- Vancouver to Toronto (a heritage-style townhouse – super cute with plenty of squirrels and house cats. At one point, I think we had five neighbourhood cats at the door)
- Toronto to Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake (probably my favourite place of the whole trip – quaint town with big Christmassy feels)
- Back to Toronto (bus and train)
- Flight to Vancouver (a few red pen updates here, under the aeroplane lighting)
- Vancouver to Brisbane, then a short road trip back to the Sunshine Coast.
What Does Editing a Book Actually Involve? (Didn’t I Already Cross the T’s and Dot the I’s?)
I started writing The Feathers of Farwood in 2022, shaping the first full drafts the following year. In 2024, the manuscript was shortlisted for the Text Prize — a moment that felt incredibly validating. Writing can be a lonely process, but that recognition made me think, maybe this really is a special story. Not long after, I signed with Riveted Press, with publication set for February 2026.
Throughout this time, my story has evolved … in a wonderful way.
I’ve worked in journalism and marketing for 17-plus years but as a debut author, the editing/publishing process was (and still is!) new to me. As expected, it’s a (necessary) process.
From Spark to Storybook: How Editing Brings a Book to Life
A book goes through several stages of editing before it reaches readers, and each one focuses on something different. (NOTE: The below is not definitive and varies by genre and format, but gives you an idea of the work behind the scenes).
First come the structural edits, which look at the big picture: plot, pace, character arcs, world building and whether everything fits together in a clear, satisfying way. World-building played a big part here, as I wanted the imaginary Aussie-inspired town of Farwood to really come to life for the reader. A place to explore, to get lost in, and to return to again and again.
This is where chapters may shift, scenes might grow or shrink, and motivations become stronger. Once the foundation is solid, the manuscript moves into line edits, which zoom right in on the writing itself. This stage focuses on clarity, rhythm, voice and word choice, making sure each line flows, every moment feels intentional, and the tone suits middle-grade readers.
I also wanted to sprinkle breadcrumbs along the way (Easter eggs, clues, and curious little hints) so that when readers reached the final chapter, they’d have that wonderful “ohhh!” moment.
I never underestimate middle-grade readers. They’re curious, sharp-eyed, and always ready to spot the hidden gems in a story.
Get your owl eyes on, kids (and adults), because I think you’ll find a few surprises tucked between the branches.
After that, the story enters copyediting, where all the fine details are checked: grammar, punctuation, fact-checking, continuity and consistency. Finally, there’s proofreading, the last polish once the book is typeset, catching any tiny errors that may have slipped through. These final stages are where I was at while travelling — manuscript balanced on my knee as I bussed it to Niagara, then again on the long flight back across the Pacific.
So when The Feathers of Farwood lands in the hands of readers, it arrives as a story that has travelled far, been pored over again and again, and shaped with a whole lot of love. It takes flight in February 2026, with more adventures winging their way to bookshelves in 2027 and 2028.
What’s Next? A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Life as a Children’s Author
After years of plotting and pitching, months of refining, and those last whirlwind weeks of edits, I must be nearly done… right?
Now I’m diving into the Teaching Notes — helping The Feathers of Farwood find its way into classrooms — and I’m also planning my launch party and a string of events for March and beyond. And then? I get to do it all again for Book Two!
It sounds like a lot, and it is. But I wouldn’t be doing any of it unless I loved it. The journey can be slow, winding, and full of surprises, yet perseverance truly does pay off, especially as a new voice on the Australian writing scene.
It also helps when you have a wonderful team behind you (in my case, my publisher Riveted Press and the author connections I’ve made online).
Every step brings me closer to sharing these stories with readers who will, I hope, love Farwood as much as I do.
You can pre-order The Feathers of Farwood, a magical middle-grade read featuring Australian animals and landscapes, now. Stay tuned, and have a Merry Christmas!
Jayne McIntyre Author 