You’ve done it, you’ve completed your manuscript. Written a whole story with an actual beginning, middle, and end. And it feels awesome! You run around your house bouncing off the walls in happiness, you do some yoga stretches to work the kinks out of your back and neck from sitting hunched over for too long, and rhapsodize about what you’ll do in your free time until the next project grabs you by the neck and won’t let go. Sound familiar?
Then, reality sets in, writing “The End” is only the first step in getting a completed manuscript of the door, but this is where the real work begins.
And, since I’ve just finished a story, this list is in the forefront of my mind.
So, what needs to be done to get your manuscript out the door and into an editors hands?
- The dreaded synopsis– I stupidly believed once I was published I’d never have to write one of these again. I was wrong. I can’t think of a story I haven’t had to write one for. So, I guess my best advice is get use to them, they’re hard to shake.
- The blurb– I could technically wait on writing this, but since I’m already forced to write a synopsis, I just get this little bit of irritation out of the way too. How can 200 little words be so darn hard to write?
- My electronic proof– I distinguish this from true editing that is part of the manuscript writing process. This it the electronic read though I do when I already have that “I’m happy feeling” and consider myself done with the book. I usually give myself a few days to a week of time before I do this read through. That distance is vital and allows me to see things with fresh eyes. Tip: The more you struggled with a story the longer the time lapse should be to allow for the emotional detachment.
- Depending on how I’m feeling about the manuscript I may send out to one of my critique partners to read through the story or parts of the story. I don’t do this all the time, but only if there’s parts of the story niggling at me that I’m worried about.
- My printed proof– I change the font (believe it or not this helps find spots you’re auto-correcting in your head) and print out the whole story. (Side note: I have a 2 sided printer to be kinder to the environment) Then I comb through one more time. Doing that final paper read is in my opinion and essential step that’s very tempting to want to skip. Don’t do it. Your eye will ALWAYS catch things you’ve missed during your other reads.
- Make those last changes, check all your formatting, make sure your information is on the manuscript, etc.
- Send the story. This last and final step is in some ways the hardest. It’s the moment you’re most vulnerable and where your baby has left your hands and officially out of your control.
This is my list on the road to producing the most polished manuscript I can. I hope it helps you, but always remember, like all writing advice, it’s only suggestions. In the end you have to follow what’s best for you.
Full Disclosure– I’m starting step 3 this morning. Wish me luck.
~Julia~