Why You Need to Develop Your Manuscript

Why You Need to Develop Your Manuscript

Writing a nonfiction trade book involves more than just writing: Developing your manuscript — nailing your concept, finding the format that makes it shine, organizing your thoughts, and talking to your readers in their own language — is key. In practical terms, this means:

A book on how to refinish antique furniture has step-by-step instructions and photos of each stage, from stripping paint to applying stain to polishing the finish. A book on buying antique furniture, in contrast, has chapters on styles and manufacturers and lists of the special characteristics that make a piece unique.
A question-and-answer format is great for a book on how to treat the 100 most common health problems, while a more literary treatment is better for an inspiring story of a heroine like Helen Keller.
A book on stress relief might reflect its message of calm relaxation with a format that is clean and uncluttered, while a book on how to feel more energetic can be peppered with sidebars on exercise tips, lists of vitamins, and motivational quotes.

Here’s a secret: Most published books seem professional because a judicious amount of developmental work has gone on behind the scenes. The majority of manuscripts that make it to the bookshelf do not start out looking this good. Even previously published authors — especially published authors — spend time on development. If they can’t (or don’t have time to) do the work themselves, they (or their publisher) will hire a developmental editor to get the job done.

Don’t Count on the Publisher to Help You

You can’t always count on the publisher to develop your manuscript for you. In the good old days, when publishers weren’t so driven to find the next bestseller, editors often did take time to nurture new writers and help them develop their ideas.

Today, however, most acquisitions editors can spend little time with the manuscripts they buy. If they buy your manuscript on the basis of a great proposal, and the manuscript you deliver falls short of that promise, they may hire an outside developmental editor, or tell you to hire one, to get your book “cleaned up.”

At this point, however, the editor is really working for the publisher — not for you — and the book will be shaped in the direction the publisher wants to see it go. This is an uncomfortable position for everyone. That’s why you may be making it easier on yourself by including manuscript development in your writing plan from the beginning.

Do It Now

Take some time now — before you send your proposal to an agent or editor — to work on development. Then, when you do submit it, they will be more likely to take your manuscript seriously and to see you as a thoughtful, credible author. If you are self-publishing, this step is even more vital because you will not have the support of a publishing house.

Shaping your manuscript can be an exciting, creative adventure that helps you understand what you’re writing about in more depth, and ultimately helps your book to be the best possible vehicle for your vision. Even if you eventually hire a professional editor or writing coach, you will have made that person’s job a lot easier and saved yourself some money.