True BearingPress

For authors

Is my manuscript ready?

Ten honest questions, about three minutes. You’ll find out whether to send us a proposal now, or what to work on first.

Answer for where the manuscript stands today. “Partly” is a perfectly good answer.

1 The manuscript is finished, or nearly finished.
2 I can say in a sentence or two who the book is for and what they’ll take away from it.
3 The book starts from what the reader needs, and my own story serves that.
4 People besides family and friends have read it and told me honestly what isn’t working.
5 I’ve revised the whole manuscript at least twice since finishing the first draft.
6 I know the difference between developmental editing, line editing and proofreading, and which one my book needs now.
7 Scripture quotations are accurate, and I’ve noted which translation I’m quoting.
8 I can name two or three recent books like mine and say how mine is different.
9 I know my word count, and it’s in line with similar books.
10 I’m ready for substantial edits and to work to a schedule with an editor.

Nothing you answer here is saved. For more detail, read Is Your Manuscript Ready?