You’ve finished your first draft, congratulations. Whether it took months or years, getting the story down is no small feat. But before you send your manuscript off to a professional editor, hold up. Manuscript editing preparation is a vital step that too many writers skip, often to their own detriment.
Think of it like cleaning your home before a contractor walks in. You’re not doing their job. You’re making sure they can do it well. A polished, prepped manuscript allows your editor to focus on the bigger picture, not waste time fixing avoidable clutter.
If you’re planning to use book editing services, this guide will walk you through exactly how to prepare your manuscript, streamline the process, and make the most of your investment.
Understand What Type of Editing You Need
Before anything else, determine which types of book editing your manuscript needs. Editing isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. There’s developmental editing (big-picture structure), line editing (style and flow), copyediting (grammar and consistency), and proofreading (final polish).
Knowing what stage your manuscript is at will help you tailor your preparation. For example, if you’re still working on character arc development, you may need structural help. If your story is solid but messy in sentence structure, a line edit is more appropriate.
A clear understanding of the editing phase also helps your editor deliver what your book truly needs, not what you think it needs.
Finish Your Revisions First
This may sound obvious, but it’s worth saying: don’t submit your first draft for professional editing. Editors aren’t miracle workers. They’re professionals who refine your best version, not fix your messiest one.
Do your own round(s) of revisions. Cut the fat, tighten the plot, fix your pacing, and make sure your characters behave consistently. Run your manuscript through beta readers or critique partners. You’re not aiming for perfection, you’re aiming for a strong base.
Format Your Manuscript Properly
Before submitting to book editing services, make sure your manuscript is professionally formatted. That means:
- Using a standard font like Times New Roman or Garamond, size 12
- Double-spacing your lines
- One-inch margins on all sides
- Starting new chapters on a new page
- Inserting page numbers
- Saving the file in a common format like .docx
A well-formatted manuscript is easier to read, annotate, and edit. If you plan to pitch to literary agents, you’ll also be ahead of the game. This is the standard formatting they expect.
Include a Brief Synopsis or Outline
While not required, including a chapter-by-chapter summary or one-page synopsis can be incredibly helpful to your editor. It gives them a roadmap to follow and clarifies your intentions for plot progression, pacing, and character arcs.
This is particularly useful for developmental editors, who need a broader view of your story’s structure. It also ties into author branding, especially if your book is part of a planned series or larger strategy.
Remove Placeholder Text and Notes
It’s easy to leave behind “TKs” (to come), notes to self, or alternate endings that you never resolved. Go through your manuscript carefully and clear these out. If you must leave a note for your editor, make it clear and intentional.
Editors appreciate authors who take the time to clean up before handing over the draft. It shows professionalism and sets the tone for a smooth collaboration.
Clarify Your Goals and Expectations
A crucial part of manuscript editing preparation is knowing what you want out of the process. Are you planning to self-publish? Submit to a traditional publisher? Use the book for author platform building?
Your editor’s approach may vary depending on your goal. For instance, if you’re pursuing self-publishing vs hybrid vs traditional, you may require different levels of polish or formatting. Communicate your plans clearly so your editor can align their work with your trajectory.
Check for Copyrighted Material or Permissions
If your manuscript includes quotes, lyrics, or images that you don’t own, make sure you’ve secured permission or are aware of the usage rights. This is especially relevant if you’re planning visual elements like illustrations (in which case you may also need to hire a book illustrator).
Editors aren’t legal experts, but flagging this early can save a headache later. This step also aligns with ghostwriting ethics and professional publishing standards.
Prepare Ancillary Materials
Depending on your goals, your editor may also help shape your book’s front and back matter, things like your author bio, acknowledgements, dedication, or blurb.
If you’re planning a book launch checklist, now is the time to also start thinking about promotional materials. These could include sample chapters for book marketing, social media, teaser copy for email lists, or talking points for interviews.
Some authors even begin planning their book video trailer benefits or consulting on book cover design psychology at this stage. If your editor has experience in these areas, they may offer feedback or referrals.
Communicate with Your Editor Before Sending
Before you hit “send,” have a quick conversation with your editor. A short email or discovery call to introduce the project, your concerns, and any special areas of focus can go a long way.
If you’re working with a ghostwriter UK or development editor, this conversation may be more in-depth. Either way, it ensures you and your editor start on the same page, literally and figuratively.
A Simple Checklist to Prep Your Manuscript
Here’s a quick recap of the key steps in your manuscript editing preparation:
- Finish all self-revisions
- Identify your editing stage and type
- Format your manuscript to industry standards
- Include a synopsis or outline (optional but helpful)
- Remove placeholders, notes, and rough edges
- Clarify your publishing goals and expectations
- Review for any permissions or copyright concerns
- Prepare supporting content if needed
- Talk to your editor before submission
Doing this work upfront not only results in a smoother editing process, but it also saves you time, money, and potential confusion.
Conclusion
Editing is where good books become great, but only if the manuscript is ready. By taking time with your manuscript editing preparation, you set your editor up for success, streamline the feedback process, and ensure your book is polished to a professional standard.
If you’re looking for expert help from trusted book editing services, choose a team that not only edits well but also understands your vision. Whether you’re preparing a novel for publication or getting ready to hire ghostwriter UK professionals for final polish, the same rule applies: preparation is power.
Ready to take your draft to the next level? Make sure you’ve done your part, so your editor can do theirs.