Author resources · Manuscript preparation
A practical checklist for your manuscript.
Use these prompts to gather context for a conversation about your book, whether it is an idea, a draft in progress, or a complete manuscript.
You do not need to check every box before asking QuillCairn for support. An incomplete or changing draft is still suitable for an initial conversation.
Part 01
Draft readiness
Take stock of the project as it is today.
- Note the working title, book type, genre, and intended audience, if you know them.
- Describe the current stage: an idea, a draft in progress, a complete draft, or a revision.
- Estimate the approximate length of the manuscript if it is useful; a rough estimate is enough.
- Identify what is working well and what feels uncertain in the draft.
- Write down the feedback or next decision that would help you most.
Part 02
File preparation
Gather context that makes the material easier to discuss.
- Keep a current editable copy of the draft you want to discuss.
- Give the file a clear name and version so you can identify the right copy.
- Gather an outline or other context that helps explain the draft, if you have one.
- Flag unresolved citations, quoted material, images, permissions, or tracked changes for discussion.
- Confirm any file-format or submission requirements for the specific route you are considering; they vary by route.
Part 03
Editorial handoff
Make it easy to start with the questions that matter to you.
- Prepare a short project summary; it does not need to be a polished synopsis.
- Say what kind of support you are considering, such as writing or development, editing, production, design or formatting, or publishing setup.
- List your priority questions, concerns, or open decisions.
- Share any timing context that would help frame the conversation.
- Name the next decision you would like help making; you do not need a complete manuscript to ask.
When you are ready
Start with the project you have.
You do not need to check every box before contacting QuillCairn. Share where the work stands and what you would like help thinking through.