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Preparing the manuscript

Beyond spell check

In this day and age, a manuscript is generally understood to be the final typewritten (word-processed) text submitted by the author for publication. To prepare the manuscript, a writer must proofread, format, and write a title, among other things.

First, proofreading. Serious writers who aim to publish their work know that proofreading is a process that involves more than simply spell checking:

• First, save your work, turn off the computer, and walk away. Seriously. The best strategy for revising and proofreading your writing is taking a break from it, at least for a few minutes if not a full 24 hours. When you return to your writing, you will be able to review it objectively with fresh eyes.
• Print two or more hard copies of your piece, one for you to read and one for a trusted friend, teacher, parent, or sibling. When preparing to publish, you should always ask at least one other person to read your writing!
• Perform a hard copy edit. It is a well-documented fact that people read more easily from paper than lower-resolution computer screens.
• Consider using a checklist to look for common errors.
• Try reading aloud so you will focus on each word.

These strategies were adapted from the Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL). Visit OWL to read the complete steps for Proofreading Your Writing.

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