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The Manuscript Plus. . .

January 6, 2015 //  by Wendy Lawton//  57 Comments

Blogger: Wendy Lawton

Don’t you love those scenes in the movies where the writer wipes away a tear and types “The End,” ties a big stack of manuscript pages with a  piece of twine and sends it off to the editor? Yeah, that would be fiction. Would that it were that easy.

Manuscript plus, right? So what is the plus? What actually needs to go with the finished manuscript?dreamstime_xs_25782587

Marketing information (for both fiction and nonfiction authors): Many a publishing house requires the author to complete an in-depth marketing profile to be sent with the manuscript. This includes much of the same information that you included in your proposal but they may also ask for any contacts you have in media, your local news and radio stations, your alumni magazine contact info, etc. It’s important to start thinking about media contacts and influencers.

Nonfiction Books: 

  • All permissions. These would be signed permission letters* from any person mentioned in the book
  • Model release forms* for anyone appearing in a photograph
  • Release forms* for each interview
  • Endnotes, citations and references  (Each time you quote someone you must cite where that quote comes from in classic endnote style. In some cases permission must be obtained as in the case of any portion of copyrighted lyrics or poems; as well as any quotes that fall out of the Fair Use* parameters.)
  • Resources, if those are part of the book
  • Book club questions for the back of the book if requested
  • Possible endorsers
  • Disclaimer* (Your publisher may use his own disclaimer)
  • Acknowledgements
  • Dedication
  • And anything else the publisher may request. Check your contract.

Fiction Books:

  • Your editor may request a timeline to help with the editing process.
  • He may ask for a character list (and if it is a family saga your editor may need a family tree)
  • Maps, if it will help with editing
  • You may be asked for reference photos of possible character types to help with cover design. (And this request may come long before you turn in your manuscript.)
  • Possible endorsers
  • Disclaimer* (Your publisher may use his own disclaimer)
  • Acknowledgements
  • Dedication
  • And anything else the publisher may request. Check your contract.

It may sound overwhelming but it is part of being a careful writer. some of these elements may be part of your proposal but don’t count on the proposal and finished manuscript ever meeting again. Include those details again with the finished manuscript. Your editor will love you if you provide the manuscript plus these things without them having to run you to ground to get these.

So my question to you is this: Does this sound overwhelming? Or did you already plan on having the whole package ready?

* Samples of Permission letters, release forms, disclaimers, explanations of Fair Use, etc. can all be found in The Copyright, Permission and Libel Handbook by Lloyd J. Jassin and Steven C. Schechter. This is a book every writer needs to have and read carefully.

Photo Credit:  © Sueharper | Dreamstime.com – Manuscript From Author With Red Twine Photo

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Category: Blog, Business of writing, Fiction, NonfictionTag: acknowledgements, character charts, dedication, fair use, fiction timeline, legal use, Lloyd J. Jassin, permissions, release forms, Steven C. Schechter, The Copyright Permission and Libel Handbook

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  1. Micky Wolf

    January 6, 2015 at 5:32 am

    So helpful, Wendy!Have thought to include many of these, but not necessarily at the manuscript submission point(s) in the process you suggest. Could feel overwhelming for sure. At the same time, one of my New Year ‘perspectives’ is to focus on completing the bits and pieces that together move things forward step-by-step. Thanks again. 🙂

    Reply
    • Wendy Lawton

      January 6, 2015 at 9:28 am

      You are welcome. Don’t be overwhelmed– it is just another step.

      Reply
  2. Andrew Budek-Schmeisser

    January 6, 2015 at 5:33 am

    Doesn’t sound bad at all, and preparing this stuff is a nice break from editing.

    The use of chapter notes in nonfiction is, when skilfully used, a great addition to the appeal of a nonfiction work, in that the notes can shed additional light on the text…kind of a “director’s cut”.

    A splendid example of this is found in Parshall and Tully’s “Shattered Sword”, a narrative of the Japanese view of events at the Battle of Midway.

    The chapter notes are a delight, because they include nuggets of information that enhance and illuminate the text in such a way that it gives it something of another spatial dimension.

    Reply
    • Wendy Lawton

      January 6, 2015 at 9:30 am

      Love your attitude, Andrew.

      Notes, especially back notes, are a great opportunity for the author to tell the reader details he wished he could share.

      Reply
  3. Jennifer Smith

    January 6, 2015 at 5:50 am

    It probably would have sounded overwhelming to me several years ago, but I think I’ve gotten used to the idea of all the work that goes into successfully writing and publishing a book. Thanks for this, Wendy! I’m saving this article for future reference. 🙂

    Reply
    • Wendy Lawton

      January 6, 2015 at 9:31 am

      There is work involved, isn’t there.

      Reply
  4. Jeanne Takenaka

    January 6, 2015 at 6:15 am

    This doesn’t sound overwhelming, though I wasn’t aware that all of these pieces need to accompany a manuscript. Knowing ahead of times gives a writer time to prepare them before submitting the manuscript.

    Thanks for sharing this post, Wendy. I like starting the year off learning more about how to plan for and be successful as a writer.

    Reply
    • Wendy Lawton

      January 6, 2015 at 9:32 am

      Of course there’s lot less work if you write fiction. It’s the nonfiction folks that have the greatest amount of work.

      Reply
  5. Shelli Littleton

    January 6, 2015 at 6:19 am

    “Would that it were that easy” … I love that writing. Sends me soaring. 🙂 Your post takes me back to Little Women. And my heart remembers that regardless of the requirements, women may write. We don’t have to hide our names. Shelli Littleton doesn’t have to be cloaked with Sheldon Littleton. Amen? 🙂

    Reply
    • Wendy L. Macdonald

      January 6, 2015 at 8:41 am

      ❀ Shelli, you’d be just as sweet by any other name.

      Reply
      • Shelli Littleton

        January 6, 2015 at 8:54 am

        Aw, Wendy! 🙂

    • Wendy Lawton

      January 6, 2015 at 9:33 am

      You are so right. We forget that in the course of history it has only been a short while we could sign out own names.

      Reply
      • Kathy Schuknecht

        January 6, 2015 at 2:16 pm

        And to think that Jane Austen had to pay the full cost of publication of Sense and Sensibility, and only allowed that it was written “By a Lady”. At least by the time Pride and Prejudice was published, she could claim “By the Author of Sense and Sensibility”.
        Progress, indeed! 😉
        So grateful to those who blazed the trail…

    • Jenni Brummett

      January 6, 2015 at 11:05 am

      Remember on the Little Women movie when Jo March tied the string around the finished pages of her manuscript and tucked in a flower stem? Sigh…

      Reply
      • Jeanne Takenaka

        January 6, 2015 at 11:07 am

        What a fun visual, eh Jenni? 🙂 Those were the days…..;)

      • Shelli Littleton

        January 6, 2015 at 12:16 pm

        Oh, yes, Jenni. That was my exact visual! Near heaven, with ink stains on her calloused hands. 🙂

      • Rachael Phillips

        January 7, 2015 at 6:28 pm

        LOVE that moment, Jenni! Somehow much more literary than hitting “send.”

    • Jeanne Takenaka

      January 6, 2015 at 11:08 am

      I agree, Shelli. How to create a pen name for Jeanne? I guess I could’ve gone with the French version, and changed it to “Jean.”

      Reply
      • Shelli Littleton

        January 6, 2015 at 12:19 pm

        Jeanne, that is too funny! Jean, Gene, or John Taken. Can you tell I’ve been immersed in romance novels way too long? Or is that even possible?! 🙂

  6. Jennifer Zarifeh Major

    January 6, 2015 at 6:35 am

    Like Jennifer Smith, this would have overwhelmed me a few years ago, but now I know it to be par for the course.

    And I have made VERY thorough research of Pinterest for my cover art suggestions. Yes, we’ll call it that, won’t we? *Research*

    Fans self.

    I’ll be later with something intelligent to say.

    Okay, MORE intelligent, let’s not get carried away.

    Reply
    • Wendy Lawton

      January 6, 2015 at 9:34 am

      And when you do that kind of research it’s kind of nice to point to it.

      Reply
  7. Sheila King

    January 6, 2015 at 6:55 am

    Thanks, Wendy. One thing I did was to keep a Pinterest board http://www.pinterest.com/adminsdk/nitpicky-corners/ of pictures inspired by my MG novel- the creepy corner bench where the kids meet the mysterious elephant man, the church relics (crosier and mitre), and the secret societies. People seem to like following the themes – especially the flashbacks to Tsarist Russia and Anastasia. The novel prominently features a Regalia Museum, and some folks don’t understand the regalia – so the photos really help.
    Anything I can do to drum up interest in my story is time well-spent.

    Reply
    • Wendy Lawton

      January 6, 2015 at 9:35 am

      That Pinterest board will be a huge help to your eventual cover designer.

      Reply
      • Jenni Brummett

        January 6, 2015 at 11:37 am

        Wendy, it’s encouraging to know that cover designers take Pinterest novel boards into consideration.

    • Jeanne Takenaka

      January 6, 2015 at 11:10 am

      I love this idea, Sheila. I haven’t done much with a board for my current project. I should probably begin something along those lines. 🙂

      And call it “RESEARCH” as per Jennifer. 😉

      Reply
  8. Lori

    January 6, 2015 at 7:26 am

    Thanks so much for the book recommendation! I went to Amazon and reviewed the Table of Contents. I ordered it right away. I need this and it can’t get here soon enough. I am getting tired of trying to find what I need in various places on the Internet and even then it can be overwhelming.

    Happy New Year everyone!

    Reply
    • Wendy Lawton

      January 6, 2015 at 9:35 am

      You will love this book.

      Reply
  9. Lori Benton

    January 6, 2015 at 7:44 am

    I tend to get asked for some of this at different points in the editing process, which I appreciate. I have created a time line, but it’s better to wait until after the content edits to do that, because major changes in the timing of story events could happen. In my experience a time line has been needed at the copy edit stage. But since I am about to turn in another manuscript in a few days, it’s a good time to mention that a thing called an Author Questionaire needs to go along with it, and much of the information you mentioned will be contained in that. As a matter of fact, that’s my work for today. It’s a little like doing the proposal all over again, so some information I’ll have. Some I’ll have to work up.

    Reply
    • Shelli Littleton

      January 6, 2015 at 8:56 am

      Thank you for sharing those details, Lori.

      Reply
    • Wendy Lawton

      January 6, 2015 at 9:37 am

      And it’s easiest to do things like the Author Questionnaire when the book is fresh in your mind. If you are immersed in the next book and have to go back to a previous story, it feels like pulling teeth, doesn’t it?

      Reply
      • Lori Benton

        January 7, 2015 at 7:55 pm

        Oh my goodness yes. I’m about to dive into a whole new book and new research. What’s filling my head right now will fade, so I’d rather do as much of this early in-house marketing stuff now for my 2016 release. Of course, once content edits come back to me it will all (have to) become fresh again, but that won’t be for a few months yet.

    • Jeanne Takenaka

      January 6, 2015 at 11:11 am

      Loved reading these details. Thanks for adding this to the list, Lori!

      Reply
  10. Meghan Carver

    January 6, 2015 at 8:03 am

    Thank you for the detailed information, Wendy. I’ll join the chorus of Jennifers and admit that it would have been overwhelming just a couple of short years ago. I was a little surprised by the request for a map, but I would love to write a book that necessitates that someday.

    Reply
    • Wendy Lawton

      January 6, 2015 at 9:38 am

      Not all books require a map of course but in many cases it clears up confusion.

      Reply
  11. Sally Pritchett

    January 6, 2015 at 8:26 am

    You learn something new every day. I had no idea those things were needed along with the manuscript. Very good to know. Thanks for posting this.

    Reply
    • Wendy Lawton

      January 6, 2015 at 9:38 am

      And, depending on the book or on the publisher, some will not be required.

      Reply
  12. Wendy L. Macdonald

    January 6, 2015 at 8:37 am

    Wendy, thank you for listing your concise advice in point form. It makes it less overwhelming. I’ve added the handbook to my wishlist.

    Blessings for 2015 ~ Wendy Mac ❀

    Reply
    • Wendy Lawton

      January 6, 2015 at 9:39 am

      It’s one you’ll refer to over and over again.

      Reply
  13. Shannon Skaer

    January 6, 2015 at 9:11 am

    There is a strong parallel here to movie births, where the mother gives birth in full makeup to a clean three month old. lol!
    Thanks for the post! I’m going to save this list!

    Reply
    • Wendy Lawton

      January 6, 2015 at 9:40 am

      Isn’t that the truth! Cute and chubby and downy soft.

      Reply
    • Becky Jones

      January 6, 2015 at 10:40 am

      Great analogy!

      Reply
  14. Kristen Joy Wilks

    January 6, 2015 at 9:25 am

    All these things do seem a bit overwhelming, but I was pleased to find out that for my first novella the publisher just had several handy online forms that you were required to fill out before they started the editing process. Seemed to make things easier.

    Reply
    • Wendy Lawton

      January 6, 2015 at 9:41 am

      Bless the publishers who make it easy.

      Reply
  15. Christine Dorman

    January 6, 2015 at 10:11 am

    Thank you, Wendy, for this information. I don’t feel overwhelmed because you keep preparing me, step-by-step, with what I need to do. It’s wonderful! I’m sure I still won’t be entirely prepared and will be surprised by something if I am ever offered a contract by a publisher, but I feel you keep doing all you can to arm me. 🙂

    There were a couple of things on your list that just made my heart sing. I have a map of my story world (on my computer, actually, as I drew it using a computer program). I had to draw the map for myself early on just so I would know where each place was in relation to another and know how a character would get from here to there and how long a journey would be. I also have pictures and photos of my characters. I have two Powerpoints that include paintings that I’ve done and photos of both characters and some significant places. The Powerpoints were done primarily for my critique group who have gone through the process of my writing the novel chapter by chapter. They were interested in knowing more about the world and the characters, so I did the Powerpoints for them. The second one was tremendously helpful for me because I’ve had a three-part series in mind and the information in the presentation (the main character’s important female ancestors and a bit of her world’s history and politics) helped me in coming up with a clear story arc for the three books. The process of doing that presentation helped me understand my own characters and their motivations better.

    The second Powerpoint (and some tips you and Janet had given in posts about book covers) made me design a book cover. I know it won’t be the one used (and, if the book is published, the cover will probably look vastly different), but it was fun having a visual of my story as a book. It helps me remember what I’m working towards. 🙂

    Reply
  16. Becky Jones

    January 6, 2015 at 10:43 am

    Appreciate this post, Wendy…helpful and sobering stuff!

    Reply
  17. Cynthia Ruchti

    January 6, 2015 at 11:41 am

    One of the things that helps me so much now that I’m facing the JOY of back-to-back deadlines is having a place–physical file folder or computer folder–to “dump” bits of this information as I go along so I’m not desperately searching for it at the end. I’ll have a flash of inspiration about someone who needs to be recognized in the acknowledgements while I’m cleaning lint out of the dryer and will go stick that tidbit of info into the folder while I’m thinking about it, rather than assuming I’ll remember later. When a marketing idea that seems tailor-made for this book appears–sometimes in as odd a place as the jewelry aisle–I’ll make a note on my phone app and add it to my folder that day. Sitting down to create these elements when you’re exhausted from having reached The End means I’m bound to neglect some gem. I may change directions someday, but right now, I use physical files. I pull out my file drawer and literally dump in that scrap of paper on which I wrote the idea while going through the car wash. Ta da! It’s there when I’ll need it months from now.

    I also have grown to (as in matured) copy every online reference into one file, one place. Even if they aren’t used in the book, they can eventually become added value I incorporate into radio interviews or blog posts.

    Thanks for opening this discussion today, Wendy. I needed it…today. 🙂

    Reply
    • Jenni Brummett

      January 6, 2015 at 11:53 am

      Do you put the lint from the dryer in the physical folder too? 😉

      Love the reminder that inspiration very often accompanies the mundane moments in life.

      Reply
    • Shelli Littleton

      January 6, 2015 at 12:23 pm

      Love that, Cynthia. I do the same … for my memory. If I think of something, I better write it down. There is nothing worse than coming to the realization the following day that you had a great idea or important issue to remember, but because you didn’t write it down, it’s gone forever. ugh!! 🙂

      Reply
    • Meghan Carver

      January 6, 2015 at 12:28 pm

      Great suggestions, Cynthia. Thank you! It’s difficult to admit, but I just don’t trust my own memory any more. That’s why they make cute little pads of paper. 🙂

      Reply
  18. don and rascal

    January 6, 2015 at 11:49 am

    . . . and don’t forget: The publisher will also ask you for a comprehensive and exhaustive listing (usually an Excel Database File) of all the “little people” who helped you write your novel.

    In the publishing world, a little person is usually 4-feet tall or less but not always.

    Reply
    • Shelli Littleton

      January 6, 2015 at 12:24 pm

      Rascal Flat?! 🙂

      You always make me giggle, Don.

      Reply
  19. Jenni Brummett

    January 6, 2015 at 11:50 am

    Do authors have limited space for their acknowledgements?
    I love reading this section at the back of the book. It highlights the symbiotic nature of publishing and the long term relationships that are built in the process.

    Reply
  20. Cheryl Malandrinos

    January 6, 2015 at 12:35 pm

    Great information to have, Wendy. Some of these things, like character list, possible endorsers, acknowledgements, and dedications are usually running through my brain or written down anyway. I don’t find it overwhelming as much as time consuming; but it’s part of the job and I hope I do it well.

    Reply
  21. Barbara Blakey

    January 6, 2015 at 1:20 pm

    Thanks for the book recommendation. So timely for me. My recently completed historical fiction takes place in a real place, and I’ve included some real people, but I don’t want to get in trouble. Sounds like this is exactly what I’ll need.

    Wishing you blessings for a marvelous new year, Wendy, as you continue to bless so many of us.

    Reply
  22. Wanda Rosseland

    January 6, 2015 at 2:03 pm

    Thank you so much for giving us this important information, Wendy. I had no idea these were all requisites for the publisher. Blessings upon you!

    Reply
  23. Elba

    January 7, 2015 at 2:35 pm

    Thank you, I had no idea! Doesn’t sound overwhelming but better to be prepared ahead of time. Great post.

    Reply
  24. Rachael Phillips

    January 7, 2015 at 6:38 pm

    Thanks for the reminders, Wendy and company! When I am immersed deep in Novel Land, I tend to conveniently forget all these very real facts. Then panic strikes as I finish, when I am inspiring and flavorful as yesterday’s coffee. With your help, I will fare better with this book!

    Reply

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