As a writer, the process starts with writing the manuscript. You’ll spend days writing and perfecting it, eventually asking yourself if it’s ready or if more work is involved.
Many first-time writers think that writing the manuscript is the hardest part, but that’s not the case. Everything starts with an idea and ends with the completed product, but there are many steps in between. With the writing completed, the next step is to start checking.
Going through it and figuring out if it’s completed or not is a big task and is very important.
If you want to publish your book, you need a completed manuscript, and there are a few ways to determine that.
Go Through It Multiple Times
Even though you’re the one who wrote it, going through it multiple times can reveal many things. You may notice some holes in the plot, grammar errors, or areas where you can make some sections more readable. You can improve your manuscript in many ways and have it prepared for publishing.
It can be a long process, meaning you must be patient. Once you believe you have it ready, leave it alone for a few days and focus on other things. This will give you enough time to clear your mind and focus on other things. Returning to it afterward will allow you to read with a fresh perspective.
Keep in mind you may need to repeat the process several times, depending on how many changes you’ll need to make.
Get Some Feedback
Friends and family may be biased, but combining them with a few others and creating a beta reading group can be beneficial. Give out a few copies of the manuscript and ask for some feedback. People reading it for the first time will be able to point out things you may have missed.
Once they’re done reading, talk to each one, ask some questions, and see what kind of answers you get. Plot holes or incomplete endings will appear as questions they won’t know how to answer. Make a note of every comment and go back to the manuscript to see where you can improve it before you classify it as the final version.
Is the Voice and Style Consistent?
For a manuscript to be completed and ready for publishing, you’ll need to make sure the voice and style are consistent. Everything needs to be stable and similar from the first to the last page. This is where the beta readers can provide some insight, and you can make changes and polish the final piece.
The idea behind this approach is to ensure the entire manuscript follows the same style and voice. This will keep the reader engaged and interested throughout the story. Looking for inconsistencies is crucial as you’ll be able to polish them out before it goes out to the publisher or you publish it yourself.
It can also help you transform your writing for the future, making you a better writer.
Is the Plot Engaging?
A common mistake novice writers make is that they think an engaging plot is reserved only for the action genre. That’s not true, meaning regardless of the genre, you’ll need to aim for an engaging plot. This is what will keep the reader interested, which is what you’ll want.
The plot you had in your head may seem engaging enough, but it may not sound like it when you put it in writing. Put yourself in the shoes of the reader and figure out if this is something that would keep you interested and engaged. This is another feedback you’ll get from the beta readers, so make sure to ask for their opinion on it.
Don’t Forget the Formatting
If this is your first time publishing a book, you may think that sending out a document or a printed version is all you need to do. Proper formatting of the manuscript is essential, regardless if you’re going for the self-publishing route or going with a publisher. There are differences to consider, though.
If you decide to go with a publishing company, the formatting rules are pretty standard with most of them. However, the ones that have different requirements will let you know.
On the other hand, going for the self-publishing route means there will be differences depending on the platform. Most have different rules about the formatting, meaning you’ll need to do some research before you upload the manuscript. Keep in mind that if you go for multiple platforms, you’ll need to make multiple copies with the formatting rules for each platform.
Writing a book takes time and effort. It’s not just about writing the manuscript; it’s also essential to ensure that it is ready for publishing. Following the tips in today’s guide will ensure that you’re one step closer to seeing your masterpiece published.