You’ve finished your manuscript—congratulations! That’s no small feat. But before you send it off for editing, there’s one more step that can make all the difference: getting your draft ready.

Think of it like tidying your home before inviting in a guest. You don’t have to repaint the walls, but you might want to straighten the cushions and clear the clutter. A clean manuscript makes your editor’s job easier, saves time, and might even reduce your editing costs.

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Let’s walk through what that “tidy-up” looks like. This checklist will guide you through the exact steps to take before your manuscript lands in an editor’s inbox.

1. Finish Your Draft—Completely

Don’t send your manuscript if it still needs work. Editors expect a complete draft unless you’ve agreed otherwise. If you’re stuck in the middle or unsure how to end it, pause and revisit later. Editing an unfinished manuscript wastes both time and money.

Example: If you’re missing Chapter 18 because it’s “still in your head,” wait until it’s on paper.

2. Do a Self-Edit Pass First

Before handing it off, give your manuscript at least one good self-edit. You’re not trying to perfect it—that’s your editor’s job—but you do want to catch obvious issues.

Look out for:

• Repeated words and filler phrases (“just,” “really,” “very”)

• Inconsistencies in character names, locations, or timelines

• Sentences that don’t sound like you

• Gaps in the story logic

Pro Tip: Read your manuscript aloud. You’ll spot awkward phrasing and rhythm hiccups you’d miss otherwise.

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3. Use Basic Formatting

Your editor doesn’t need fancy fonts or color coding. Keep it simple and clean. Here’s a quick formatting checklist:

• Use 12 pt, readable font like Times New Roman or Garamond

• Double-space your text

• Use 1-inch margins on all sides

• Save the file as a Word document (.doc or .docx) or Google Doc unless your editor says otherwise

• Insert page numbers

Don’t worry about page breaks for chapters unless it helps you stay organised.

4. Label the File Clearly

Avoid names like Final_FINAL_REALLYFINAL.docx. Use a clear filename like:
BookTitle_AuthorName_Date.docx

Your editor will thank you—and so will your future self.

Also Read: Which Type of Editing Does Your Manuscript Really Need?

5. Include a Cover Page or Note

A short note at the top of your document or in the email is always appreciated. Include:

• The working title of your book

• Your genre and target audience

• The word count

• The type of editing you’re looking for (developmental, line, copyediting, or unsure)

If this is part of a series, mention that too. Context matters.

6. Remove Highlighted Text and Personal Notes

If you’ve left in-text notes like [fix later] or [check timeline], clean them up. Same goes for random highlights or comments meant for yourself.

If there’s something important your editor should know (like a confusing subplot you’re still unsure about), mention it in your note or email.

7. Run a Spellcheck (But Don’t Rely on It)

A quick run through your software’s spellchecker can clear up obvious issues. Just don’t assume it catches everything—it won’t. Still, it’s one step closer to a cleaner draft.

Bonus Tip: Don’t accept every suggestion blindly. If something doesn’t feel right, check it manually.

Also Read: Make Your Dialogue Snap, Crackle, and Pop

8. Make Sure It’s in One File

Editors prefer one file. Avoid sending each chapter as a separate document unless it’s been discussed beforehand.

If you have front or back matter (acknowledgements, author bio, etc.), include them too, or mention if you’re still working on them.

9. Know What You’re Asking For

Understand the kind of edit you need. Don’t worry if you’re not 100% sure—your editor can guide you—but have a sense of where you are in your writing journey.

• If you want help with structure, pacing, and big-picture story flow, you’re looking for developmental editing.

• If you want smoother sentences and stronger voice, you likely need line editing.

• If you want grammar and consistency fixes, go for copyediting.

10. Breathe and Let Go

Once you’ve sent your manuscript, relax. You’ve done the hard part. Now it’s your editor’s turn to work their magic.

Editing isn’t a judgment. It’s a partnership. You’re still the writer—your editor’s job is to support your vision, not change it.

Also Read: A Strong Voice Adds Clarity But Overwriting Hides It Under Clutter

✅ Quick Checklist: Preparing Your Manuscript for Editing

• Completed draft, no missing sections

• Basic self-edit done

• Clean formatting (12 pt, double-spaced, standard margins)

• Clearly named file

• Cover note with title, word count, genre, and goals

• Removed personal notes, highlights, and placeholders

• Ran spellcheck

• Entire manuscript in a single file

• Aware of the type of editing needed

• Sent with confidence!

Final Thoughts

Preparing your manuscript doesn’t need to be stressful. These small steps make a big difference and show editors that you respect their time—and your own story.

When you send a clean, polished draft, you’re giving your editor a head start, which leads to a sharper, more focused edit in return.

Also Read: Your first draft needs your attention before it needs an editor

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Ready to hand your manuscript to someone who gets both the craft and the care it deserves? Let’s make your story shine.

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