7 Tips for Getting Started on Your Manuscript

If you are thinking of publishing a book of your very own, you should take it one step at a time. You could not just write a first draft of your book and say that it is ready to be published. You will first need to draft a manuscript. This will enable you to check your work before you could finally have it published. If you are going to write a manuscript, you will need to know how to do it properly.

Here are 7 Tips for getting started on your manuscript.

1. Have a set writing schedule

Before you start writing your book, you should make sure that you have a set writing schedule. This is important because writing a book could be very time consuming, and if you don’t know how to properly manage your time you could end up floundering in the long run. So before you begin the writing process, you should designate at least 2 hours of your day for writing. The writing schedule should be set and immovable. This will instill in you a sense of discipline. This will also give you a set routine that will make the writing process a habit.

2. Map out your outline

When you write your manuscript, you should first map out every aspect of the story. Remember that it is very easy to lose track of the overall storyline once you start the writing process. So it is important that you have an outline that will guide you. When you create the outline, you should make sure that you highlight every significant event in the story. You should also highlight the turning point of the story. By mapping out every aspect of your manuscript, you can keep track of any changes you make.

3. Create fleshed out characters

Aside from keeping track of all the events in your manuscript, you should also make sure that your characters are well-written as well. Remember that your characters are the focal point of your story. If your characters are boring or one-dimensional, your readers will notice it right away. So when you create your characters, you should be as detailed as possible. Take the time to fill out their backstories, physical descriptions and their motivations. By creating detailed character bios, you’ll be able to create truly unforgettable characters.

4. Plot out your settings

Settings are the key locations that your story will take place in. This is why you should plot out your settings. Make a detailed outline of each setting. Give all your settings a detailed backstory. Describe their features and the characteristics that set them apart. You could also write down their historical backgrounds if the setting is particularly famous. Make a list of these settings, and then plot them out according to your storyline. This will make it easier for you to keep track of your overall storyline.

5. Hire an editor

When it comes to writing a manuscript, you will need to be as meticulous as possible. This is especially true if you are writing a book for the very first time. Remember that readers could be very picky, and one misspelled word can damage your overall reputation as a writer. So if you are going to write a manuscript of your very own, you should never be too proud to get professional help. By hiring an editor, you will not only have a second pair of eyes go over your work, you will also have the confidence needed to publish your book.

6. Set up a comfortable writing space

If you are going to write a manuscript, you should make sure that your writing space is as comfortable as possible. Remember that the writing process could take a great deal of time. So before you start writing, you should make sure your writing space is not only comfortable but conducive to writing as well. An ideal writing space should be spacious, cozy, well-lit, and have comfortable furniture to sit on.

7. Stay consistent

Writing a manuscript can take a lot of time and hard work. It is expected that you will have to put in a great deal of effort, and it can get tiresome in the long run. However, if you want to finish your manuscript, you should work on it on as regularly as possible. By doing so, you will no longer look at the writing process as merely a schedule. It will ultimately become a habit for you. Overall, consistency is key if you want to form good writing habits.

Conclusion

Before you start writing your manuscript, you should know what you are doing. Luckily, with these tips you’ll be able to write a complete and workable manuscript.