Author Resources & Publishing Guides

From idea to strong outline

• Capture ideas quickly in a notebook or notes app; do not wait for a "perfect" concept.
• Test your core idea by explaining it in one clear sentence to a friend or beta reader.
• Build an outline with a beginning, middle, and end, focusing on key turning points or chapters.

Developing your voice and characters

• Write regularly in short, focused sessions to strengthen your natural voice.
• For fiction, define character goals, conflicts, and motivations before drafting scenes.
• For non-fiction, clarify your reader’s problem and how each chapter moves them closer to a solution.

Drafting with momentum

• Separate drafting and editing—focus on getting the story down before polishing language.
• Set realistic word-count goals (for example, 500–1,000 words per session).
• Use placeholders like "[fact-check]" or "[add scene]" to keep moving without getting stuck.

Polishing your manuscript

• Read your work aloud to catch awkward phrasing, rhythm issues, and repeated words.
• Run a search for overused filler words and tighten sentences where possible.
• Ask at least one trusted beta reader for feedback on clarity, pacing, and overall impact.

When you are ready for professional support, explore our Services or Solutions to plan your next step.

1. Complete your full draft

   Ensure the manuscript is finished from start to end, including front matter placeholders (title page, dedication, acknowledgements) and back matter (appendices, references, author bio) if relevant.

2. Perform a self-edit

   Focus on structure, clarity, and consistency before fine-tuning language. Remove sections that no longer serve the main narrative or argument.

3. Apply basic formatting
   • Use a standard font such as 12pt Times New Roman or 11pt Arial.
   • Set line spacing to 1.5 or double, with clear paragraph breaks.
   • Number pages and include a clear working title on the first page.
4. Check length and structure

   Confirm your word count and, for non-fiction, ensure chapters follow a logical, easy-to-navigate order. For fiction, verify that each chapter advances plot, character, or theme.

5. Run spelling and grammar checks

   Use your preferred writing software’s tools, but avoid making rushed changes. Flag any sections you are uncertain about for our editors to review.

6. Prepare a short synopsis

   Write a one-page summary describing your book, your intended audience, and your goals (for example, print only, digital first, or both).

7. Save and label your files clearly

   Use descriptive filenames like AuthorName_BookTitle_Manuscript_v1.docx. Keep a backup on a secure cloud service or external drive.

Once prepared, you can discuss next steps with our team via the Contact Us page.

1. Discovery & project scoping

We begin with a conversation about your manuscript, goals, preferred formats (print, digital, or both), and timelines. Together, we decide which editing, formatting, and publishing services fit your needs.

2. Editorial review

Our editorial team assesses your manuscript, recommending the level of editing required—such as structural editing, line editing, or proofreading. You receive a clear proposal and schedule before work begins.

3. Editing & author collaboration

Editors work through your manuscript in agreed passes, sharing tracked changes and queries. You remain in control of final decisions, with opportunities to review and respond after each round.

4. Design, layout & formatting

We transform your edited manuscript into professional book files. This includes interior layout, typography choices, and preparation of print-ready and digital-friendly formats.

5. Proofing & final checks

Proofreaders complete a final review to catch remaining errors or layout issues. You approve the final files before they move into publication.

6. Publication & post-launch support

Depending on your chosen solution, we assist with distribution setup and provide guidance on early promotion and ongoing updates or reprints.

For a more detailed walkthrough, visit our dedicated Process page.

Key types of editing

• Developmental or structural editing: Ideal if you are still shaping the book. Focuses on big-picture elements such as plot, argument, pacing, and organisation.
• Line or stylistic editing: Refines sentence flow, clarity, tone, and style while preserving your voice.
• Copy-editing: Addresses grammar, spelling, punctuation, word choice, and consistency in terminology or style.
• Proofreading: A final polish on nearly finished files to catch minor errors before publication.

How to decide what you need

• If you are unsure about structure or length, start with a developmental or structural review.
• If structure feels solid but language needs tightening, consider line editing.
• If the manuscript is close to final, copy-editing followed by proofreading is often sufficient.

Working with BOK BOK BOOKS LTD

We review a sample of your manuscript and recommend an editorial pathway aligned with your budget and timeline. Our Services and Solutions pages explain available packages in more detail.

General manuscript formatting

• Use a single, legible font and avoid mixing multiple typefaces.
• Align text left, not justified, in your working document to prevent spacing issues.
• Use heading styles consistently for chapter titles and section headings.

Print-focused considerations

• Plan for trim size (for example, 5"×8" or 6"×9") early, as this influences page count and layout.
• Ensure images are high resolution and suitable for print (usually 300 dpi).
• Allow space for margins, headers, and footers, including inner margins for binding.

Digital (eBook) formatting

• Avoid complex multi-column layouts that do not translate well to e-readers.
• Use simple formatting for emphasis (bold, italics) rather than text boxes or shapes.
• Check that hyperlinks and internal navigation (such as linked contents pages) work correctly.

Style and consistency

• Choose a spelling convention (for example, UK English) and apply it consistently.
• Maintain uniform treatment of numbers, dates, headings, and references.
• Consider following a recognised style guide for your genre or field.

Our team can handle full formatting for you as part of a tailored package—learn more on the Services and Solutions pages.

Background

An aspiring non-fiction author approached BOK BOK BOOKS LTD with a draft manuscript that combined personal experience and practical guidance. They wanted a professional book suitable for both digital and print-on-demand distribution.

Challenges

• The manuscript contained overlapping chapters and repeated examples.
• The tone shifted between academic and conversational styles.
• No interior design or formatting had been considered.

Our approach

• We began with a structural edit to refine chapter order and remove duplication.
• Line editing established a consistent, approachable voice to match the author’s goals.
• Our formatting team created a clear, reader-friendly layout for both print and digital editions.

Outcome

Within an agreed timeline, the author approved final print-ready and eBook files. The book launched across major platforms, supported by a simple promotional plan the author could manage independently.

To explore similar options for your book, visit our Projects and Testimonials pages.

Writing and drafting tools

• Word-processing software with reliable track-changes functionality.
• Cloud-based note-taking tools to capture ideas from anywhere.
• Dedicated writing applications that support outlining and distraction-free drafting.

Style and reference resources

• Widely recognised style guides aligned with your genre or academic field.
• Grammar and usage references to support consistent language choices.
• Checklists for citations, references, and permissions where relevant.

Planning and project management

• Simple planning boards or task lists to track chapter progress.
• Spreadsheets to monitor word counts, deadlines, and revision rounds.
• Shared drives to organise drafts, images, and supporting material.

During your engagement with BOK BOK BOOKS LTD, we can recommend specific tools tailored to your goals and workflow.

To see more examples and outcomes, visit our Projects and Testimonials pages.