Writing a well-crafted manuscript is a long and arduous journey that can take weeks or even years. All of this struggle can seem worth it only if you are satisfied with the quality of your manuscript.
One of the most important things you must understand as a smart author is that your manuscript can always be improved. It all starts with having the right help and effective strategies to bring out the best in your work.
Here are some of the best tips you need to improve your manuscript.
1. Strength Your Characters
Strong characters are the backbone of a good fiction novel. Your readers must resonate with the characters in order to ensure the success of your book. Therefore, it is important to start by strengthening the characters of your novel.
Take your time to look into their background, motivations, desires, and fears to see how each area can be defined better. Do not hold back from showing their character traits through their dialogues, interactions, and actions throughout their novel.
2. Take a Break
One of the biggest mistakes you can make while trying to boost the potential and readability of your manuscript is to start editing it without any breaks. You may think it is best to revisit your manuscript when all of its contents are fresh in your mind, but that is not the correct approach.
The best way to bring out the best in your work is to take some time away from it. Take a break to celebrate the achievement of completing your manuscript. This way, you will be more motivated to achieve your goals by improving your manuscript with a fresh set of eyes.
3. Revisit Your Outline
Every author understands the importance of a well-crafted outline and how it can help in the process of writing a manuscript. Visiting your outline once again after completing your manuscript is a great way to ensure that you have covered all the bases to progress your plot.
Take a look at all important factors, such as introductions, conflicts, climaxes, and resolutions, to ensure you have covered all the important points of your storyline. This way, you can ensure that the essence of your story is maintained.
4. Use Descriptive Language
Every fiction writer must believe in the power of showing instead of telling. You do not need to create an impact on your story by using long descriptions. It is all about engaging your reader by using descriptive language.
By using descriptive language, you can engage the reader’s senses and create vivid imagery that engages them throughout the book.
Instead of using long paragraphs to tell the reader what is happening in your fictional world, show them using actions, dialogue, and cues. This way, you can communicate with the readers through the best channels and avoid losing their interest.
5. Make Dialogues Natural
Dialogues are one of the most important elements in a fictional world. These speech tags can help you advance your plot effectively and unfold information to the reader.
If you want to enhance the quality of your manuscript, you must make these dialogues sound natural. Pay special attention to speech patterns, tone, and the words you use.
One of the best ways to make your dialogues more effective is to view every dialogue in the light of the character delivering it. Make sure that these dialogues aid in their character development and also pace your plot to unveil important information to the readers.
6. Edit Ruthlessly
Every author gives their best to write their manuscript. They do not intentionally make any mistakes in their manuscript. However, revisiting your manuscript can reveal room for improvement in the manuscript for even the best of the authors.
Once you complete your manuscript, take some time away from it to make a fresh start. A fresh pair of eyes can help you cut out unnecessary or repetitive information from your manuscript to make it more cohesive.
You can hire a freelance editor to leverage an objective point of view of your manuscript. Professional editors are neither too lenient nor too critical of your work. They can help you bring out the best in your manuscript based on their expertise and industry information.
In addition, you can share your work with beta readers or writing groups to gather diverse perspectives and feedback, which can improve your manuscript. Their reviews and suggestions can help you revise and refine your manuscript to align with your vision for the story.
7. Use Sensory Details
You do not have to tell your reader everything through your words. Long descriptions of emotions and character progression can bore the reader, and they may leave your book midway.
When a reader is reading your book, you do not have to worry about keeping their eyes only on the text. One of the best ways to keep the reader engaged is to use sensory details in your manuscript. Sensory details can bring your writing to life in the readers’ minds.
You can describe settings, characters, and emotions in your novel using sensory details like sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell to create an immersive experience for readers.
8. Focus on Consistency
Consistency is important in order to ensure the readability of your manuscript. Frequent plot holes in your manuscript can leave the reader confused and make them uninterested in reading your book any further.
It is important for you to focus on improving the consistency of your manuscript to boost its readability. From character’s tones to their narrative style, you must ensure consistency in every aspect of your manuscript to create a cohesive reading experience.
It does not mean that you are not allowed to switch between moments of tension and calm in your story. Try not to overlook the importance of the right pacing in your story.
If you want to keep your readers hooked, try maintaining a balanced rhythm throughout the story. Your main goal must always be to ensure the readers’ engagement by maintaining consistency.
About Author
