During the holidays, we remind ourselves to not overeat—for whatever good it does. Most of us are at least somewhat aware of what and how much we are eating. We make conscious choices about what to ingest and how much to exercise, knowing that the resulting outcome will be apparent. Similarly, as the publisher of your own book, you control what preparation goes into your manuscript—knowing that the resulting outcome will be apparent.
At the start of a new year, many of us renew our efforts to make health-conscious lifestyle choices. For each of the following health-conscious questions we ask ourselves, there are related questions we should ask ourselves when preparing manuscripts for publication.
- Am I eating foods that are too highly processed and difficult to digest?
- The related publishing question is: Have I used too much jargon, or language that readers will struggle to relate to or to understand?
Writers will benefit from editorial help to ensure they are using language in such a way that the target audience will easily engage and keep reading. Fundamental to writing for publication is a clear definition of the intended audience and attention to creating effective communication with that particular audience. Words should not be too highly processed, and proper punctuation is the equivalent to enzymes that help digest food; correctly implemented punctuation helps readers digest your content.
- Am I including the right proportions of foods from all of the essential food groups?
- The related publishing question is: Have I properly implemented all of the components necessary to produce an editorially-sound manuscript?
Fiction involves elements such as: point of view; tense; setting; characterization; plot; and pacing. Nonfiction must incorporate: clear objectives; benefits; credible, compelling, and relevant content; and adherence to scope. The underlying structure is the medium for incorporating the various components of both fiction and nonfiction to effectively deliver the message. A professional editor can help to ensure that the right proportions of each of the necessary components are presented in a flavorful and appetizing manner through the structure and flow of the manuscript.
- Am I getting the right kind and the right amount of exercise?
- The related publishing question is: Am I incorporating the right kind and the right amount of editing into my publishing process?
An editorial analysis will highlight the editorial issues that need to be addressed in your manuscript and will recommend a level of editing that is appropriate for your manuscript. Your manuscript may require attention to word choice, punctuation, and sentence structure, or it may need more fundamental work on structure and flow. After your initial professional edit your manuscript may need an additional proofread to check for proper implementation of revisions and ensure that it is editorially sound before layout and design. Remember that traditionally-published books undergo many rounds of editing before publication, and they still are not perfect. If you are self-publishing your book, you are the publisher. As the publisher, you control the publication process. Incorporate the steps necessary to ensure that your finished product meets your expectations and the expectations of your readers. A trainer will assess your level of physical fitness and recommend a diet and exercise program. Similarly, a professional editor will assess your manuscript’s level of publishing fitness and will recommend appropriate editing. As with your own diet and exercise plan, the outcome of your editing process will be apparent. Ask a professional editor to help make sure your manuscript is fit for publishing.
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