- Image via Wikipedia
A few years I knew none of this. That’s good news, isnt’ it? You can learn it, too. Don’t do it the hard way, like I did. I learned as I went along, though making mistakes really cements the lessons in your mind, doesn’t it?
Here are 7 tips to get you started on the right track.
1. Prepare your manuscript as a Word document from the start. Then you won’t have to transfer it later. Use good margins (at least 1″), double-spacing, and don’t forget to put the title of your book, your name, and page number in the header. If you print it out and have no page numbers, you will knock it on the floor and regret your lack of foresight. (Yes, I did that.) Oh, and don’t bother formatting your work until the very end, when all the edits are completed.
2. When you think you’re finished writing, but your manuscript out of sight for at least a month. I know you think it’s perfect, but it isn’t. (Yes, guilty again.) Time away will clear your mind and allow you a little detachment. Then you’ll be ready to sacrifice some of those precious adverbs. You will need to kill many of your favorites, so get over it.
3. When you go through your work again you’ll see some glaring errors. Fix all you can, then put your MS aside for yet another month – or more. But it can’t get any better, I hear you thinking. Wrong again.
4. Repeat the process once more. Twice, if you’re obsessive-compulsive.
5. Now check for spelling errors and typos, not just those that spell-check finds. Use your own brain and you’ll find at least several that spell-check missed due to context or otherwise.
6. Now that you’re sure it’s perfect (but it probably isn’t) format it if you like. For self-publishers this is mandatory. For professional results, hire a typesetter if you can afford to do so. For traditional publishing, do not format your work. A simple Word document is best since more edits will definitely be suggested.
7. While you’re waiting for the next step, take a vacation. You deserve it. And believe me, your work is not done by any means, so take a break now before the next wave hits.
