Improving your manuscript: tips and lessons
with inspiring book manuscript examples

Common mistakes and practical tips for writers who want to grow their book

Submitting your manuscript for review is an exciting step. You have worked hard, put your ideas on paper, and now comes the moment when someone else will give their opinion. Will your story resonate? Or is something essential still missing? As an editor and writing coach, I (Esther Jacobs) have reviewed hundreds of manuscripts and worked with authors. Some stories grab you immediately, others leave you with questions. But one thing they all have in common: every manuscript can grow.

1. The invisible author: dare to show yourself

Many manuscripts feel like the writer has hidden themselves. The text is formal, dry, or textbook-like and lacks a personal touch. That is a pity, because your unique story and motivation give the book color.

Tip: Be brave and share your own experiences. Let the reader feel who you are and why you wrote this book.

Example: In a manuscript with tips for improvements to the constitution, I could not see who the author was at all. Why was he writing about this topic? Eventually, it turned out he was an expert and engaged citizen. When he added his personal story, the manuscript became more powerful and personal.

2. Unfindable books: titles that do not stick

Your title is the business card of your book. It must spark curiosity, be clear, and contain the right keywords. Yet I often come across manuscripts with vague, long, or meaningless titles. No subtitle? You make it even harder to be found.

Tip: Ask ChatGPT for SEO-friendly title and subtitle suggestions and test them in Google and with a few people from your target audience. Do they immediately understand what the book is about?

Example: An author had written a book about finding work-life balance. His title? Time for change. It is nice, but what is it about? A good subtitle would have saved the book: How to create calm in a busy life.

3. Back cover: your mini sales pitch

The back cover of your book may be the most important page of the whole book. This is where potential readers decide if they will buy your book, and where publishers and journalists decide if they will read on. Yet it is often missing in manuscripts or presented as a dry summary.

Common mistake: Authors write a summary telling what is in the book. What the reader really wants to know is: what is in it for me? In fiction, the reader wants to be pulled into the story immediately.

Tip: Make your back cover intriguing. Ask a question that touches the core of your story, such as: “What do you do when your past becomes your biggest enemy?” Think of your back cover as an elevator pitch. Tell in a few sentences what your book is about, who it is for, and what it offers.

4. Self-made covers: your book deserves better

We have all seen it: a self-made book cover that looks amateurish. Of course, it helps to think about what you want to convey with your book, but leave the final design to a professional. The cover is the first thing people see and it determines in a fraction of a second if someone will look further. Keep in mind that most potential readers will only see your book cover online as a thumbnail, so keep it simple and clear at a glance.

Tip: Make sure your title is large and clear. Keep the image simple and strong. Choose a designer with experience in book covers.

5. The right pace: too fast or too slow

Some authors want to tell everything so quickly that they rush through their story. Others get lost in details, causing the reader to lose focus. The right pace is crucial for the reading experience.

Example: An inspiring woman wrote a beautiful book about personal development but sometimes went so fast that I had no time as a reader to follow her. When she described in more detail what she was experiencing at certain moments, the story came to life.

Tip: Take the time to develop important moments. Show, do not tell. Use descriptions of smells, sounds, and feelings to bring the reader along.

6. Who are you writing for?

Many manuscripts struggle with the question: who is the target audience? Is the book for professionals or a broader public? If you want to reach a wide audience, adjust your language accordingly.

Common mistake: Academic writing style. Interesting for experts, but too complicated for the average reader.

Tip: Write as if you are explaining to a friend. Use examples and simple language to make your message clear.

7. Feedback: learn from it, grow with it

If you ask your environment what they think of your book, most people will praise it. Three questions to ask non-fiction readers for better feedback:

• Which parts did you like?
• At which parts did you lose interest?
• What was missing?

For fiction, you can ask which characters were most appealing, whether they were surprised by the plot, and where they lost engagement. Receiving professional feedback is exciting, but it is also a chance to improve your manuscript.

Tip: Do not take feedback personally, but as a tool to grow your book. Start with the big points, such as title, back cover, introduction, and structure. Guide your readers well through the book, and the rest will follow naturally.

8. Integrate your book with your business

A book can be more than just a book. It can also be a tool to promote yourself and your work. Do this only after you have delivered value, not in every chapter or the introduction. Think of QR codes in your book that lead to extra material on your website in exchange for an email, or a last chapter that subtly mentions your other services.

Example: I often advise non-fiction authors to add a final chapter with ten common mistakes and how to avoid them. This engages readers and helps attract clients. Then you can make a logical transition to: “Need help?” where you offer your services.

Tip: Use your book smartly. Make it not just an end product, but part of a larger whole.

An inspiring manuscript example to learn from

A strong manuscript example shows how structure, tone, and target audience come together. Whether fiction or non-fiction, start with a clear layout, use a strong introduction, and finish with a conclusion that stays with the reader. If in doubt, look for a book manuscript in your genre that you admire and analyze what works well.

Need help with your manuscript?

Writing is a journey, not a destination. A manuscript review can be confronting, but especially valuable: you will discover exactly where your story is strong and where there is room for improvement. As an experienced author, editor, and writing coach, I have read hundreds of manuscripts and provided practical, honest feedback. I also review your book from the perspective of journalist and publisher, giving tips on how to capture and hold attention.

By focusing on common mistakes such as the invisible author, a vague title, or messy structure, I help you refine your story. I provide structure and strength so your book has the best chance to truly reach readers.

Are you ready to take the next step?

Let me review your manuscript and discover with targeted tips and advice how to take your story to the next level. The story is inside you. Together we make it visible.

*This article was published in 2024 in Dutch leading writing magazine ‘Schrijven Magazine’.