AuthorHouse UK self-publishing says we can all learn from the book editing process as we strive for bestseller status. Here are just a few things that Fleming did:- He took out the lengthy constructions and replaced them with simple words, short sentences and active verbs to keep the story moving. Even then, Fleming had his eye on his readership; wanting the book to work in the UK and North America so he split up the dialogue in order to add more verve. Next he simplified the characterization. In the original draft, Fleming had the CIA man, Felix Leiter introduce himself thus:
“My name’s Felix Leiter. Glad to meet you.” Bond’s reply was: “Mine’s Secretan.”
(the original intention was to give Bond an assumed name, “Secretan”). However realizing this might confuse the reader, Fleming deleted the assumed name and inserted:
“Bond James Bond” ; the rest is history.