I came across this line in one of Nina Bawden's works:
I have only once written a book, not to order, exactly, but to please
a particular audience; a girl of seven who was, as she put it, 'a
little bit blind'.
I'm trying to figure out what the writer means by 'not to order' in this context.
I'd appreciate any help!
EDIT: Here's a bit of context: The author mentions in the same extract that the girl suggested an idea for a book to be based on jewel thieves and a blind girl who does something brave. Also, the author writes that she's impressed by her ability to navigate through dark corridors even with limited eyesight. Both these factors formed the inspiration for the book.
Best Answer
If something is "made to order", it means it is:
The interpretation of this particular question is tricky however. The three commas in the first part make it difficult to know without further context how to correctly parse it.
My interpretation:
Alternative interpretation (supplied by Paul Richter)
The question is who she is saying she has made the book "to order" for.
Perhaps reading on in the book would clarify this.