Preparation of your manuscript is probably the most important task you will have to undertake, but it is essential.
It is very tempting, having written your book, to send it off straight away to a number of agents or even publishers. Don't do it. Many agents will not give you a second chance. A few nicer ones might.
So here are a few guidlines to help you.
Get rid of , or replace, words like 'very' and 'quite' wherever you can. They are anathemas to publishers and will result in your hard work being binned before it's read.
Check the layout, too. In the UK the first line of each chapter or section of your book should NOT be indented. All other paragraphs should be. In other countries, all paragraphs should be indented.
Wherever possible tell your story by 'showing' rather than 'telling'. Here's a good link to help you: Showing and Telling.
Read your book to yourself, out loud is best, and look out for errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar. Listen to how it sounds, especially the dialogue. Is that really how your character would speak? There is a fine line between allowing your character to take over the plot, and maintaining a true reflection of who they are.
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