by Daniel Bell
Anyone who has written a book knows what a long and difficult process it can be. However, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t also exhilarating. If you approach the act in the correct way, it is also true that it can be one of the most enjoyable experiences of your life.
One of the lesser enjoyable aspects of the process, however, is when it comes to checking it over for publication. Figuring out whether or not your book is ready to be sent off to the publisher—or your agent—can be trying indeed. This is, in part, because it is so difficult to know without a second or third pair of eyes. So often, writers fall victim to their own island-like nature. However, there is good news when it comes to writing a book. There are some tried-and-tested methods for working out whether your book is ready to be published. If you have a book under your belt, and you are starting to think about putting it out there, then this might be of help. Here are the top signs that you should send that manuscript off today. Well, after another read-through, anyway.
Someone Else Enjoys It
This is not just a clear sign that you might be ready. It is much more than that – it is an essential first step in the publication process. In fact, if you have not yet given your manuscript to anyone at all, you should do so before continuing. When someone else reads your book, and says it is good, there are few better feelings in the world. There is one caveat to make here, however, and it’s this: ensure that this person is not related to you, or your partner. While these people may well be honest, you can never be certain of absolute, one hundred percent honesty. You need to be sure that what they are saying is genuine. For that reason, consider giving your book to someone who is more of an acquaintance. If they love it, that is a very good sign.
It Ticks the Right Boxes
By this I mean not just that it satisfies what a book should be – but that it works for what kind of book it is meant to be. This depends entirely, of course, on what your book is about and who it is meant for. But his is an essential step which too many budding authors overlook entirely. If your book does not have the right substance for what it is meant to be, the publisher is unlikely to take it much seriously. If you, for example, want to Get Your Book Published with Motivational Press, then ensure that the subject matter is of the right nature. Don’t go submitting a children’s book if they don’t’ publish them! In the same vein, ensure that the tone of the prose is correct for who you are sending it to.
You Have Edited It to Death
This one should also be considered vital, although it rarely is in practice. Whether that is necessity or laziness is a discussion for elsewhere. For now, all it is really necessary to say is that you should not send your manuscript out until you have edited it extensively. Ideally, it is only when you feel that you literally cannot change another letter or word that you should send it out. This may take quite a long time, but it is all part of the process. Having a well-polished book with your name on it is more than worth it, after all.
