The Workflow of Novelists: Writing and Sending Manuscripts

Do most novelists write their novels in Microsoft Word and then send the word document to an editor? This article explores the writing and submission workflow, focusing on popular text editors and the preferences of publishers.

Common Text Editors Among Novelists

Microsoft Word: Many novelists use Microsoft Word for their writing needs. The versatility and widespread use of this software make it a preferred choice among writers. Microsoft Word includes features like track changes, which are essential for collaboration and editing.

Google Docs: Some novelists, such as Eunice and the author of this article, prefer Google Docs. This cloud-based editor offers real-time collaboration, making it ideal for writers who need to work with beta readers or co-authors.

Scrivener: While some writers swear by Scrivener, the author of this article finds it less than satisfactory. Despite its reputation for supporting writers' organizational needs, the software has limitations that prevent it from being the sole writing tool of choice for this author.

Pages: Novice and advanced writers have also used software like Pages to compose their stories, although it is less common in professional circles compared to Microsoft Word and its open-source alternatives.

Open-source Alternatives: Software like LibreOffice and OpenOffice offer free alternatives to Microsoft's proprietary software. The author of this article has preferred these open-source tools for years, reasoning that modern word processors can export to a format that most editors and publishers desire.

Conversion and Compatibility

Regardless of the text editor used, the final manuscript must be in a format that the editor or publisher can work with. Converting from one software to another is a common practice. For publishers requesting a Word document, the manuscript can be easily converted as modern word processors can handle this task with ease.

The author emphasizes the importance of following the publisher's guidelines precisely. Writing well and following submission guidelines can significantly improve the chances of a manuscript being considered seriously. Writers Digest is recommended as a resource to find appropriate publishers for various genres.

Conclusion

The workflow of novelists can vary widely, but the most common practice remains using a modern word processor, often Microsoft Word, and then sending the manuscript in a compatible format. Following the specific submission requirements of publishers is crucial for a manuscript to be considered seriously. The right tools and adherence to guidelines can make a substantial difference in the success of a novel's publication.