You’ve written, rewritten, and maybe even cried a little along the way—but your manuscript is finally complete. Or is it? Finalizing a manuscript for publication is a delicate dance between precision and passion. The truth is, your manuscript can always be tweaked even further, but often perfection is the enemy of done. And after writing, rewriting, and rewriting, you’re eager to move on to the next step!

But when is an author really ready to move on from the writing stage? This is a question the Aaxel Author Group team gets a lot, so we figured in this blog post, we’d give a checklist so that you can walk away with the peace of mind that your manuscript is, indeed, ready for the next step.

Step #1: This is not your first draft (right?)

If you are considering publishing your first draft, let us stop you here and order you back to your writing corner, desk or wherever you write. Your manuscript is not ready. No need to read on.

Step #2: Did you hire a developmental editor?

This is a critical step that many authors ignore, choosing instead to trust their sister-in-law who “reads a lot.” A developmental edit  is a must. Consider it a “sister-in-law revision” but on steroids. (And chances are, your developmental editor is a much better editor than any relative.)

Step #3: Did you revise your manuscript based on the developmental editor’s feedback?

Once you receive your feedback, you become an editor, of sorts. It is your job to go through all the comments and decide which ones you want to address and then address them as best you can.

Step #4: Did you get beta readers?

Unlike a professional editor, beta readers are people within your network who care about your project and want to do what they can to help you move forward. You still want to be selective, and make sure your beta readers are committed to providing you the feedback you need.

Step #5: Did you do a last revision post-beta reader feedback?

You will likely receive valid feedback from your beta readers. At this stage, though, you don’t want to rewrite the whole manuscript, so unless there is a significant comment that is expressed by multiple readers, do not get stuck on each item. Instead, look out for consistencies. If everyone is telling you that chapter 5 is confusing, then chances are, you need to revisit chapter 5. But do not go down the rabbit hole of revisions.

Step #6: Did you do one last read?

Yes, we just advised you to avoid the rabbit hole of revisions, but one last read is still a good idea.

If you have each of the five steps above checked off, you are ready to move on to the next stage. As an indie author, this typically means either getting started with the publishing process either on your own or with the support of a publishing partner (like us).

If you opt for working with a publishing partner or a hybrid publisher, here are things you do not need to do (unless your publishing partner does not provide these services):

Get a proofread or copyedit: Your publishing partner or publisher should be able to take care of this step.

Get your manuscript formatted: This too is something your publisher or publishing partner will take care of.

Make changes to your manuscript: You have already parted ways with your manuscript, remember? This is not the time to revisit it or have second thoughts!

By striking the right balance between setting high standards for your manuscript and finding that Zen state of mind, you will find yourself enjoying the sense of accomplishment in finishing your manuscript and the excitement of seeing your book in print!

Are you ready for that next step? Contact us to find out more!