Is Your Manuscript Ready
for Submission?
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
Writing a book and publishing a novel are no easy task. It takes a lot of time, effort, and energy to create a story idea that captures the attention of readers, literary agents, and publishing gatekeepers. However, the real challenge is not just in writing a novel but in knowing when it’s finally done and ready for submission to publishers. How do you know when your manuscript is ready? When should you submit it? These are just some of the questions that aspiring writers face. In this article, I’ll dive deep into the process of submitting a novel, including tips and tricks for making sure your manuscript is ready for submission.
Is My Book Ready for Submission?
It's essential to understand that rewriting is a necessary part of the writing process when it comes to getting a novel ready for submission. No matter how excellent your first draft is, it can always be improved. The first rewrite is crucial because it's the time when you'll look at your manuscript critically and do a developmental edit. During this stage, you can fix plot holes, strengthen character arcs, make sure your narrative structure tracks, and work on pacing issues. The goal is to make your story as engaging and captivating as possible.
It's essential to get manuscript feedback before it’s ready for submission. Critique partners or freelance editors can offer an invaluable perspective on your work, helping pinpoint areas that need improvement and highlighting strengths that you might have overlooked. You might think your work is ready to go, but a second set of eyes can help you address any flaws you might be missing, like the cause and effect logic of your plot arc. You will want to join a critique group, get some constructive criticism, and revise accordingly to make sure your manuscript is polished.
After finishing a novel, it's natural to be eager to declare yourself ready for submission. However, it's better to take a break and revisit it after a few weeks or even months. There’s magic in putting a manuscript away, then coming back to it with new eyes. Putting a manuscript away allows writers to gain fresh perspectives and spot issues they might not have seen before. Read it with a fresh set of eyes, and you'll be surprised at how many things you notice that you never saw before.
How Many Rewrites Are Normal Before You’re Ready for Submission?
The number of rewrites you undertake will depend on your manuscript's unique needs, and where you are in your writing journey. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to the number of rewrites you should do, and you don’t really need to focus on the number. Do what feels right, and know that it might take you longer than you’d like before your ready for submission. Some manuscripts might need only one or two rewrites, while others might require multiple revisions. My own writing process means that I do between five and eight revision passes per manuscript before I’m satisfied, and this can vary from project to project. It all comes down to ensuring that your manuscript is the best it can be before submission.
Tips for Troubleshooting Common Revision Issues
When it comes to revision, there are common issues writers face. For example, pacing problems can cause readers to lose interest quickly, and can indicate an issue with the balance of action and information, while flat characters can hinder the story's emotional impact. Character development and a relatable character are key, especially in certain categories, like young adult, women’s fiction, and literary fiction. It's essential to identify these issues early and address them during revision. One way to do this is to have a checklist of revision issues to look out for, such as pacing, characterization, plot, and dialogue. By doing so, you'll save time and make the revision process less overwhelming.
Aspiring writers aim to put their best foot forward when it comes to getting a manuscript ready for submission. The process can be challenging, but by understanding when a manuscript is approaching done and reading in a way that’s dynamic and engaging for you and an outside reader, by internalizing the importance of revisions, feedback from editing professionals, and doing rigorous self-evaluation, aspiring writers can increase their chances of success. Remember, a manuscript is not ready for submission until it's the best that you can make it. Always aspire for excellence and be committed to improvement, and you'll be carving out your very own writing journey. You may never be “done,” but a lot of published authors aren’t. They will always find something they want to change, and you will figure out the balance between clinging and letting go for yourself.
Click here to purchase Writing Irresistible Kidlit, my book on fiction craft for MG and YA novels, out from Writer's Digest Books. This will show you my writing craft philosophy and give you lots of valuable advice, including tips for the novel revision process and self-editing. There are over 35 example novels cited and discussed throughout. It’s a valuable resource for any writer’s toolkit.
Click here to purchase Successful Query Letters, my book on query letters, including over forty examples with comprehensive notes on each one. There’s a ton of submission advice, best practices, and insider information in these pages, and you’ll really enjoy seeing what other writers are doing in the slush.