Preparing a manuscript and designing the perfect cover

Nearly a decade ago, Michael Terence Publishing (MTP) (the sponsors of this post) was founded in Oxford, UK by Keith Abbott and Karolina Zammit. These pioneers have been involved in thousands of book publications over the years, and today they are sharing their top tips for all aspiring writers who wish to explore the world of self-publishing.

Keith Abbott, MTP’s executive director, is a manuscript guru who can tell whether a book is ready for publication just by glancing at its first few pages. ‘Nothing in the world of publishing is more important than a polished manuscript,’ he says. ‘Self-publishing offers writers ultimate control over their work, but it requires careful preparation to achieve the best results.’

How to prepare your manuscript

1. Consider hiring professional editing services
Before publishing, your manuscript must be polished. This involves multiple stages of editing:

1. Developmental editing: Focuses on the overall structure, plot, and character development.
2. Copy editing: Addresses grammatical, spelling, and syntactical errors, and ensures consistency in style.
3. Proofreading: The final check for any remaining errors and typographical mistakes.

Many authors, even if fully proficient in the English language, will not be able to perform an accurate copy edit or proofread of their own work. ‘Their brains easily jump to the assumption that what is written is correct,’ Keith says. ‘The most common remaining problem we see in manuscripts is the punctuation around dialogue/speech.’

2. Proper formatting
Formatting your manuscript ensures it looks professional and is easy to read. It is also essential for both print versions and eBooks to meet the technical requirements of your chosen self-publishing platform(s).

‘If you are experienced, use programmes such as Adobe InDesign or Microsoft Word,’ advises Keith.

‘Alternatively turn to tools like Reedsy Book Editor, Scrivener or Vellum (for eBooks) to correctly format text alignment, font size, margins/mirrored margins, chapter headings, bullet points, tables, images, footnotes/endnotes, the contents page and index.’

3. Choose the right self-publishing platform
Selecting a platform depends on your distribution needs and budget.

Keith says, ‘Major platforms such as Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, and Barnes & Noble Press offer print-on-demand services, which eliminate the risk of unsold stock and give the author access to low-cost books for book signings.’

Books are printed in multiple locations across the world often offering next-day delivery. ‘Each platform has its own market coverage, royalty structure and formatting guidelines – so choose platforms that align with your abilities and goals.’

4. Prepare your files for publication
After formatting, prepare your files for upload and approval. ‘Typically, you’ll need a PDF for print versions and an EPUB for eBooks,’ Keith explains.

‘Platforms like Reedsy provide tools to easily convert/export your manuscript into these formats. Ensure your files meet the specific requirements of each platform you choose to avoid issues during the upload process and avoid approval being declined.’

Perfecting your cover

Creative executive Karolina Zammit lives and breathes visuals and aesthetics. From the very first publication, Karolina has ‘touched’ every single cover that passed through MTP. She insists on the following cover design points:

1. Establish a principal focus
Your cover should convey the main idea of your book clearly and catch the potential reader’s attention quickly. ‘Avoid clutter and focus on a single compelling element,’ Karolina says.

2. Use readable fonts and colours
‘Choose fonts that are easy to read even in thumbnail size. Avoid overly intricate fonts and use a colour palette that is visually appealing and genre appropriate.’

3. Find the right images
‘Use images that reflect the mood and tone of your book,’ Karolina tells us. ‘Ensure they are high quality and consider the cultural and genre expectations of your audience. Securing the legal rights for images used on a book cover is crucial to avoid legal repercussions, maintain professional integrity, and ensure fair compensation for artists and photographers.’

4. Use symbolism and metaphors
‘Think about symbols or metaphors that represent key elements of your story. These can make for intriguing cover visuals.’

5. Gather feedback
‘Create a few mock-up designs and seek feedback from beta readers or your target audience. Use this feedback to refine your cover.’

You will need a full-cover design (front/back/spine) for a print book (PDF file format) and front cover only for an eBook (JPEG file format). ‘The print book cover will need to be exactly sized to match your chosen book (trim) size with a spine to fit the number of pages in your book,’ Karolina says. ‘Tools such as Abode Photoshop can be used to achieve this.’

Before you publish, develop a marketing strategy

While the publishing platform may offer some free and some paid-for marketing services, to gain extra visibility, you will need to develop a marketing plan that also includes social media promotion, book reviews, and potential media advertising.

‘Building an author platform and engaging with readers is crucial for gaining and maintaining visibility,’ the experts advise. ‘Remember that yours is one of around 200,000 books released, in the UK alone, each year. Always ask the question: “How will people find my book?”’

Can I write a book?

‘We hear a lot from creative people saying “I love to write but I don’t know if I could compose a whole book,”’ Keith says. ‘Writing is a passion that should be explored slowly, given time, and enjoyed every minute of the creative process. Some of our most successful authors, like Natalie Cumming, wrote about their family history.

‘Terence James published six books with MTP focusing on WWII, creating beautiful works of fiction. And Ron Telford’s memoirs of a trawlerman have captured thousands of readers!’

‘So, there you go,’ says Keith, ‘if you feel like writing yet doubt you have enough “juice”, write about what you know: your life, your family’s story. If your imagination allows you to go further, create and enjoy the world you are building for others to visit.’

And remember: in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) has made remarkable strides in various fields, including content creation.

‘AI can generate articles, write stories, and even compose poetry. However, despite these advancements, AI-generated content lacks the depth, emotion, and authenticity that only human writers can provide.’

Human writers bring a unique perspective to their work, drawing from their personal experiences, emotions, and cultural backgrounds. These elements infuse their writing with a richness and authenticity that AI simply cannot replicate.

‘Every piece of writing by a human author carries a part of their soul, their struggles, and their triumphs, making it relatable and impactful to readers,’ Karolina reflects.

Finding your true voice

At some point, every writer feels the weight of self-doubt. You sit in front of your keyboard, staring at the blinking cursor, questioning your talent and the value of your words. You wonder if you’re good enough, if your voice matters, and if anyone will ever read what you’ve poured your heart into.

‘If you’re feeling this way, know that you are not alone,’ Keith says. ‘Every great writer has walked this path, and it is through this struggle that you will find your true voice and purpose.’

Embrace the journey: ‘Writing is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. It’s a journey filled with highs and lows, moments of clarity, and times of confusion. Embrace this journey with all its challenges and victories. Understand that every word you write, whether it makes it into the final draft or not, is a step forward. It’s a part of your growth as a writer. Celebrate the small victories and learn from the setbacks. Every great story begins with a first draft, often messy and imperfect, but full of potential.’

Your voice matters: ‘In a world brimming with stories, it’s easy to feel that your voice may be insignificant. But remember, no one else has lived your experiences or seen the world through your eyes. Your unique perspective is your greatest asset. Your voice, with all its quirks and nuances, adds something valuable to the literary tapestry. Believe in the power of your story. There are readers out there who need to hear your voice, who will find solace, joy, and inspiration in your words.’

Perfection is a myth: ‘One of the biggest obstacles writers face is the pursuit of perfection. It’s important to understand that perfection is not only unattainable but also subjective. What one person sees as flawed, another might find beautiful and authentic. Allow yourself to write imperfectly. Give yourself the freedom to create without the paralysing fear of making mistakes. It’s through these mistakes that you’ll discover new ideas, improve your craft, and develop your unique style.’

Consistency over inspiration: ‘Waiting for inspiration can be a trap. While those moments of divine creativity are wonderful, they are often fleeting. Cultivate a habit of writing consistently, even when you don’t feel particularly inspired. Set aside time each day to write, even if it’s just a few sentences. This discipline will keep you moving forward and make those moments of inspiration more frequent and impactful. Remember, writing is a muscle that strengthens with regular exercise.’

Learn and grow: ‘Every writer, no matter how experienced, has room for growth. Read widely and often. Study the works of authors you admire and analyse what makes their writing resonate with you. Take writing courses, attend seminars, and continually seek to improve your craft. Embrace the learning process with an open mind and a willing heart. The more you learn, the more confident and capable you will become.’

Believe in yourself: ‘Believe in your ability to tell a story that matters. Trust that your words have the power to touch hearts, change minds, and leave a lasting impact,’ Karolina tells us. ‘Writing is an act of bravery, a leap of faith. Every time you put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard, you are creating something that did not exist before. That in itself is a remarkable achievement.

‘Therefore, dear writer, keep going!’ she advises. ‘Keep writing through the doubts, the fears, and the uncertainties. Your voice is needed. Your story is important. And you are more than good enough. Embrace your journey, trust in your unique perspective, and believe in the power of your words.
‘The world is waiting to hear your story.’

About MTP

MTP has helped a multitude of authors across the globe to publish their work, via Amazon KDP and many other distribution channels too.

From California to Sydney, aged from 9 to 90, the essential problem for all these authors was the same: it’s overwhelming and somewhat difficult to grasp all the necessary requirements whilst trying to self-publish. This is not entirely surprising – after all, why should anyone expect an author to have the skillset necessary to publish a book?

So, whether you are struggling with everything, with formatting, cover design or you just need some advice on the artwork and its legal aspects, the team at MTP is here for you.

‘Do please contact us, and together we’ll find the best possible solution,’ Keith says.

Michael Terence Publishing (MTP)
For further information:
Tel: +44 (0)20 3582 2002
Email: [email protected]
www.mtp.agency