A manuscript file that is more than a few pages in length can get
unwieldy in a hurry. There are some things you can do in setting up your
manuscript that will make your life easier, both in the writing and
editing process.
The goal is to help you keep track of what you’re doing and make the
finished product as close to perfection as possible. Consider these tips:
Set your word processor up to insert page numbers right from the
beginning. Even if you plan to add running heads with page numbers,
you’ll want simple page numbers when you print out drafts for editing.
Make use of the heading styles that will also create an actual Table
of contents. I find I generate a table of contents fairly often in the
writing process – it helps me know where I am and what I need to do
next.
Although most word processing programs have some sort of book
marking system, I find a simple xxx works best for me.
When I finish a writing session I add the triple xxx, and then when I
come back, I do a quick search and I’m right where I want to be in the
next session.
If you’re going to have an index, you can start marking the words
you want indexed right from the start.
I find it easier to write the book all in one file; if you want to
separate files for, maybe, each chapter, develop a file naming procedure
that will let you concatenate the book easily.
Graphics & Links in Manuscripts
If your book has lots of illustrations, you'll probably need page
layout software to place them exactly. Of course, if you have a publisher,
you can leave that to them, just marking where each graphic goes.
If you're self-publishing and have only a few graphics, your word
processing software may be able to handle it. I've done it and if there
truly are only a few, it can work. On the other hand, if you have more
than a few graphic elements the
file can
become a nightmare. The best tip I can give you is keep multiple
backups... backing up to two or more files every single time you add a
drawing or picture.
eBooks, and edocs let you include live links as well as graphics. You
can have a fully illustrated eBook that, if it were a trade book would
too expensive to produce. You simply insert the drawing, photo or
illustrations in your manuscript and when you convert, your pictures are
there, in all their glorious color.
The problem with illustrations in eBooks is they can make your final file huge.
You can mitigate this by using compression on your downloadable file, but
keep file size in mind and make sure there is a real reason for every
graphic.
Word, frankly, doesn’t do a great job with graphics… the file tends to
blow up when it gets too large. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to tell
what “too large” actually means. In truth, if you want a long manuscript
with a lot of graphics, you need some sort of type setting or page layout
software.
If you’re going to include illustrations of one sort or another,
you’ll also need to know how to use some sort of image editing program.
Expect too, to spend some serious time placing the graphics exactly where
you want them. It’s a fiddly process, but worth doing when the graphics
serve a purpose.
I use PhotoImpact by UleadPhotoImpact 10.
It’s relatively inexpensive, has enough bells and whistles to handle
eBooks, and eBook covers. It can generate graphics for print and makes web
graphics a snap.
