Submitting your manuscript to a publisher is an important and exciting step. But first impressions matter — a lot. A well-prepared manuscript demonstrates professionalism, makes the editorial team’s job easier, and significantly increases the chances that your project will be accepted and published successfully.
In this guide we share exactly what we expect as a publisher when we receive a manuscript, the most common mistakes we see, and how to avoid them. Prepare well and your editorial process will be faster, more efficient, and more affordable.
Basic manuscript format
Before worrying about the content, make sure your file meets these basic formatting standards. A messy manuscript creates distrust and makes evaluation difficult:
File format: Word (.docx) is the industry standard. Avoid PDF, Pages, or shared Google Docs
Typography: Times New Roman or Georgia, 12pt, with 1.5 or double spacing
Margins: 1 inch on all sides (Word's default margins work fine)
Page numbering: in the lower right corner or centered at the bottom
Alignment: left-aligned (not full justification at this stage)
Header: your name and the book title on each page, in a smaller font
No design formatting: don't try to lay out your book in Word — that's the designer's job
Structure your document should have
Your manuscript is not just the chapter text. It includes additional elements that the publisher needs to properly evaluate and produce your book:
Title page
Include: the book title, subtitle (if applicable), your full name as it will appear on the cover, your email address, and phone number. If you have a literary agent, include their information as well.
Synopsis or proposal
A one-to-two-page summary that explains what your book is about, who it is written for, why it is relevant, and what makes you the right person to write it. This is perhaps the most important part of the initial submission.
Table of contents
A list of all chapters with their titles. It does not need page numbers at this stage, but it should reflect the final order and structure of the book. This gives the editor a panoramic view of your work.
The complete text
Each chapter should start on a new page. Use Heading 1 (H1) for chapter titles and Heading 2 (H2) for subtitles. This makes navigation easier and simplifies the subsequent book layout.
Author biography
A 100–150 word paragraph in the third person describing who you are, your background, your ministry, and your relevant experience. Also include a professional high-resolution photo (300 dpi minimum).
What editors expect (and don’t tell you)
Beyond formatting, there are content aspects that editors evaluate immediately when they receive a manuscript. Having clarity on these points will give you an enormous advantage:
A clear central message: if you can't summarize your book in one sentence, you need more clarity before submitting
A defined audience: 'it's for everyone' is a red flag — the best books speak to a specific reader
A consistent voice: the tone should remain steady throughout the book, whether academic, conversational, or devotional
Originality: what does your book offer that the other 50 books on the same topic don't?
Appropriate length: a typical Christian teaching book has between 30,000 and 60,000 words (120–240 pages)
Correct Bible citations: version, chapter, and verse — errors here are unacceptable in a Christian book
Common mistakes that delay your publication
These are the problems we see most often in the manuscripts we receive. Avoiding them will save you time, money, and frustration:
Submitting a premature draft
Your manuscript should have gone through at least two self-reviews before submitting it. Read your text out loud, correct obvious errors, and make sure each chapter makes sense. Don’t send your first draft — send your best version.
Inconsistent formatting
Chapters with different fonts, titles formatted in various ways, irregular spacing between paragraphs. This tells the editor that the author did not take the time to present their work properly.
Unstructured content
Manuscripts that are a continuous block of text without subtitles, without clear divisions, and without visual rest points. The modern reader needs content that is organized and easy to navigate.
Not specifying the Bible version
If you quote the Bible, you must indicate which version you use (NIV, ESV, NKJV, NLT, etc.) and be consistent throughout the book. Mixing versions without noting it creates confusion and potential copyright issues.
Checklist before submitting
Before you click “send,” go through this list:
The file is in .docx format with clean and consistent formatting
You included a title page with your contact information
You wrote a 1–2 page synopsis explaining what the book is about
The table of contents reflects all the chapters
Each chapter begins on a new page with a clear title
You reviewed spelling and grammar at least twice
Bible citations have complete references and the version is noted
You included your author biography and a professional photo
The manuscript is between 30,000 and 60,000 words
At least two trusted people read the manuscript and gave you feedback
Is your manuscript ready?
Submit it for a free editorial evaluation. We’ll give you honest feedback and a personalized publishing plan.