How Having a Professional Outside Editor Review Your Manuscript Boosts Potential

Think of a book, any book. It can be your favorite, one from your childhood, or a new release you read last month. Why did you enjoy it so much? It was probably the characters, plot, genre, writing style, or dialogue. What might be less obvious, however, is what made your reading experience so enjoyable. That was the editing.

Before your book goes out to the general public, you must make sure it is truly ready to go. That means making sure it is structurally solid and free of typos and poor grammar. The most common way to deal with this editing process is to hire an outside editor. This is a hired professional who is an expert on editing.

Editors are truly the unsung heroes of the publishing industry. This article summarizes the role editors and copy editors play in the publishing process.

Editing vs. Copy Editing

There are two main forms of editing available in the publishing industry: editing and copy editing. They sound similar, and they do work in tandem, but each has a specific focus to tailor your work. Both an editor and a copy editor are invaluable on your journey to publication. Understanding the different roles they play will help you every step of your process.

An editor helps structure the bones of your book. They are less concerned with the nitty gritty of your manuscript and more with the big picture. Part of an editor’s job is to read a manuscript and offer their critiques, suggestions, and opinions. A good editor never forces you to make changes, but guides you when revising drafts. The final changes you make are up to you.

On the other hand, a copy editor is more detail oriented. They read your draft and suggest specific grammatical and stylistic changes. Again, it is usually up to you to approve and implement the changes. Cody Editors are not as engaged with the meaning contained in your words, just that they are used correctly.

The Importance of an Outside Editor

When you have an idea for a book, it is understandable to want to talk all about it. Part of your writing process could be brainstorming with friends and family to get ideas. From there, you can start writing until you finish your first draft. But, who will read your draft to suggest changes? As mentioned before, that would be an editor.

You may wish to have family and friends review your manuscript, which is a great idea. The people who you trust and who know you best can provide great insight into your book. However, they should not be the only other people to read your drafts. Unless they are professionals in the publishing industry, their insights are limited to personal experiences. Their perspective should just be one of many you consider in the publishing process.

Editing Your Book

No matter how good your first draft is, there will be changes made before it is published. There can be as few or as many changes between drafts as needed. Sometimes, an editor will suggest dramatic changes between drafts, and other times there will only be minor typos.

Therefore, it is imperative that your manuscript is professionally edited by someone who is outside your orbit. An outside editor does not go into your book with any preconceived notions. It is a blank slate to them, and they will go into the material as any other reader. Their suggestions hold different weight for that reason.

At Cloverly Publishing, we offer full-service book editing services after you sign your publishing agreement. We have a team of professional editors that will review your entire manuscript and flag any potential corrections. You have final control over any changes made; these are just suggestions.

Crucially, Cloverly puts the human touch in editing. Artificial intelligence (AI) will never be used to edit your book; humans will read every sentence. AI editing services lack a natural understanding of nuance in human speech and behaviors. Cloverly’s editors will keep the integrity of your work and support you every step of the way.

The Value of Highlighting Representation in Literature

Think of a young child first learning to read. They are excited to start reading and escaping to new worlds they never knew about. No matter the genre, this child will have their horizons broadened. However, imagine that while they are reading for the first time, they never see anyone who looks like them. They might still enjoy reading and gain an understanding of the world, but their relationship with literature will be different than someone with a bevy of characters who look and act like them. There are ways for authors and the publishing industry to respectfully address this long-standing issue without overcorrecting.

When you are writing a book, you will often infuse aspects of your personal life into the text. This is a natural process, writing what you know. Therefore, audiences who are from similar backgrounds and life experiences as the author might feel especially connected to the material. Authors who are not from a given group can also add to representation for another. This is the crux of why representation in literature matters, especially during Black History Month and other cultural commemorative months.

What Is Representation?

At its core, representation is when a book tells a story and features characters that represent real people’s lives. Often, this comes in the form of highlighting diverse voices in the media. This diversity can come in all shapes and sizes: race, gender, sexuality, age, socioeconomic background, etc. When someone from one of these backgrounds writes a book, their experiences will be infused in the text.

Representation often makes people feel like they are not alone in their experiences. There is not a single unifying lifestyle in the world. It helps to see a wide range of experiences in the media. For a long time, the world at large was not open to addressing underrepresentation, but things are changing.

Platforming Underrepresented Voices

It is especially important when the most underrepresented voices get a platform. When too much of one group tells their stories, it can become seen as the “norm.” The lack of diversity can alienate other groups who do not get to see themselves in the text. This is not limited to any one group, book genre, or book type. It is also not limited to the United States, as each culture has its own voices that are in the “majority” and those in the “minority.”

There are speciality book publishers that work specifically with one group to amplify their voices. They are founded because there have been historical publishers who put up impassable barriers to entry for new authors. However, general publishers can also promote diversity without having to explicitly do so. In fact, the most powerful representation is often that which goes left unsaid. Actions speak louder than words.

How to Highlight Diversity?

To counteract any underrepresentation, it is crucial that the publishing industry embrace platforming all voices. Anyone can write a book of any genre. But, not everybody has the resources and information to publish and share their books with the world. Therefore, it is crucial that publishing companies across the board do not shy away from diversity.

However, just because publishers should be conscious of diversity and representation, they should not favor any one group. That is the most important part of implementing successful representation in literature. Having a wide array of voices in the media makes everyone feel included.

Authors of all backgrounds can write stories that highlight representation, even if they are not a member of the group. As long as the representation is uplifting and not demeaning, it can be a strong act of diversity.

Books from the past often featured stereotypes and generalizations that would not be considered “good representation.” Even children’s books from the past could be subject to controversy. No matter how you feel, there are ways to acknowledge the problematic nature of some old books while amplifying new, more diverse voices going forward.

Here at Cloverly Publishing, we know that everyone deserves to have their story told. Our review process never discriminates, and we work to make sure no one feels left out of the process. Books are for everybody, and everybody should see themselves on the page.

Cloverly Academy has just released a new edition to our Cloverly One-On-One podcast series. We interview recent and notable published authors about their inspiration and publishing journey. Click here to listen to the podcast on your favorite platform

Using a Storyboard to Guide Your Writing Process

Arguably the most important part of writing a book is making sure it is coherent. Whether that means the language is understandable or the plotting makes sense, people need to understand your book. When you set out on your writing journey, whether fiction or nonfiction, a storyboard can keep you on track.

You can create a storyboard either before or after you begin writing. No matter what, it will make your manuscript stronger from the first page.

What is a storyboard?

At its core, a storyboard is a visual aid to plot out your story. This is not limited to book writing — people use storyboards for all sorts of creative endeavors. For writers, visualizing all elements of a story is immensely helpful in translating their ideas to the page.

Any sort of visual aid can form a storyboard. It can even be virtual. If creating a physical storyboard, you can start with blank index cards, sticky notes, or any other paper. You will use the paper to write the elements of your story then physically place them in sequence. This allows you to reorganize and move things around as needed.

Sometimes, the thoughts in your head can be overwhelming and need some structure. That is what a storyboard provides. You can get your ideas down on paper and see it laid out in front of you. This will help organize your thoughts and see where holes may need to be gapped or ideas expanded upon.

Specific elements of a storyboard

But what goes on your cards or sticky notes? The most important thing to keep in mind is that this process is designed to help you as a writer. You can put whatever you want on the page in front of you, but here are some suggestions.

Plot and conflict

The most common element of a storyboard is major plot beats. It is important to include these so you can see the complete flow of your story. It also allows you to where you may need to expand or add more details. When you have plot beats on cards, you can arrange them in order in front of you for a direct story map of your book.

Writing down points of conflict in your story also allows you to place the conflict in the story. This shows you if there is either too little or too much conflict for the story being told. If there are long gaps in conflict, the book can become somewhat of a boring read.

Characters and motivations

Laying your characters on physical paper in front of you can show you all the players of your book. You can use the characters in front of you to put them in and out of the story as needed, as well as visualizing connections between characters. This helps you keep your characters’ relationships and actions clear.

On your characters’ individual cards, you can include facts about them, ways they impact the story, or anything else you may need to keep straight. This process can let you know if you need more characters, have too many characters, or need to flesh out your characters more. Again, the choice is yours to use this as you please.

Illustrations

Illustrations may be the most natural for storyboarding picture books, but all books can use them in the storyboarding process. These drawings can be as detailed or rudimentary as you want and do not have to reflect the finished product. In the illustrated book context, this is a clear way to visualize how the story will look on the page.

However, for non-picture books, illustrations in a storyboard will show you how readers may visualize the story in their head. It can also guide your visualization of the story.

Keeping structure in mind

While your book can be structured however you see fit, a traditional structure comes in three acts. It is not necessary to separate your book into actual separate parts; you can use this to guide your text.

First act

The beginning of your book sets up the characters, story beats, and tone of your book. This is the setup and provides character building for the rest of the book. The first act should not be the longest part of your book and be just long enough to get the ball rolling. Everything a reader would need to know for the story should be introduced here.

Second act

The second act of your book should be the longest part, where the bulk of the action occurs. This part encompasses the climax of your story where all the setup you do pays off. This is where the true story takes place and contains the most “action.”

Think of an action or science-fiction movie. The climax of the film is the big battle that wraps up the story and emotional arcs of your characters. It is often the most memorable part of the story, which is especially true for action films.

Third act

The concluding section of your book will end the story you are telling. Again, this should not be the longest part of your book because it is wrapping things up. The majority of your plot and conflict is resolved, and now your story is coming to an end.

If your book is a standalone story, this can definitively conclude their stories. If you want to continue these characters’ stories, you can set up a sequel. Wrap up your book in whatever way you think fits the story you are telling.

Storyboarding after writing

While most authors will storyboard at the beginning of the writing process, that is not a steadfast rule. Some authors prefer to write without a guide and see where their book goes. In this case, it is possible to create a storyboard after writing a draft of your book.

Creating a storyboard later in the process follows a similar process as doing so before. You should go through your text and write down the major plot beats and characters of your story. Then, you can arrange them in front of you. This creates a visual aid that shows what you put on the page.

From there, you can clearly see what your story may be lacking or needs to expand upon. This makes editing your early drafts of your book easier. You have the freedom to move elements of your book around as you deem necessary.

Make storyboarding fit your story

Storyboarding is not a one-size-fits-all guide to organizing your thoughts. To get the most out of storyboarding, it is imperative that you individualize it to your creativity. Some people just want a big picture of their story, others want more intricate details. However you decide to utilize a storyboard will help you along your journey as a writer.

Two Potential Sources of Inspiration

The entire publishing industry is a battle between writing what you know and writing what sells. Writing what is familiar to you may seem the easiest and most natural for emerging authors. On the other hand, writing with marketing in mind implies less authenticity. While these can be two completely different things, there can be a lot of overlap in successful books without compromising the author’s integrity.

Over time, you will develop your identity as an author that informs your writing style and inspiration. This article will review these factors and help guide you on the road to being a published author.

Benefits of Writing What You Know

No matter the topic, when you write about topics you are familiar with, you will have a natural sense of ease. It can come more naturally for you, translating the thoughts in your head onto the page. This can include autobiographies, faith-based texts, children’s books, or general fiction, all incorporating elements from your own life. Poetry is some of the most personal writing an author can do, really baring their souls. It may be most natural to write non-fiction within these parameters, fiction can also incorporate elements of your life.

The book you write can be truly exceptional and share a true piece of yourself with the readers. Starting with this mindset can be beneficial to even just start the writing process. Beginning writing can be the most daunting part of finishing a book, so starting here is valid. Later on, you can edit and branch out into different ideas you are less familiar with.

If your book is entirely written based on what you know, the result can be something deeply personal to you. Your readers will be able to sense this authenticity throughout your book. This book could also be something you could treasure for the rest of your life.

Benefits of Writing to Market

Just because writing what is personal to you is more reflective of your inner thoughts, writing with a goal to successfully market your book cannot be discounted. You can still write a highly marketable book without compromising your artistic integrity. After all, publishing is a business like everything else, so financial success is important.

Fiction

It is most natural to want to write a fiction book for “the market.” You can let your imagination run wild and create a story you find inherently compelling. As long as you have the ability to craft a well-written novel, there is nothing wrong with this approach. Your creativity can still guide you and result in an excellent and successful book. This can include children’s books aiming to entertain, a “beach read,” or a steamy romance.

Non-Fiction

You can also write non-fiction geared for “the market” as well, even though there is less creative freedom. You never want to mislead readers into who you are as a person, but there can still be authenticity in non-fiction with mass appeal. For example, you can write a well-researched biography of a prominent historical figure or a compilation of previously-published matter. No matter what your non-fiction book is about, you can make it appealing to the masses.

Combining What You Know and Writing to the Market

As you become a more advanced and trained writer, you will learn how to mix the above elements into one work. Readers will be able to recognize that some of the most compelling writing comes from the author’s own life, even in fiction. That could be integrated into mass-appeal works to create a well-rounded whole. For example, you could create a cast of novel characters, some of whom you draw from your real life. Mixing different types of characters can yield a multi-faceted and complex work.

Some of the most compelling personal writing that has a huge audience is self-help books. The New York Times Best Sellers List even has a whole section for the genre. People who are looking for guidance in their lives are naturally drawn towards these kinds of books. What makes them so compelling is not just the advice in them — the author’s story drives the point home. When readers see someone in their position overcome adversity, they feel inspired to do the same.

Start Writing!

With all of this in mind, you may be wondering how to proceed from here. Just begin your personal writing process, and the rest will come naturally. The nitty gritty details can be finessed throughout the process, but you have to start somewhere.

Your first draft might lean heavily into writing what you know, which gradually fades over revisions. Or, it could start as a market-oriented manuscript that becomes more personal over time. Whether you create an outline first or let your writing come naturally, every author develops their personal path to success. Figuring out what works for you, from the first inspiration of an idea to the final draft, is what being an author is all about.

How to use 21st-century marketing tools to your advantage

The hard work of crafting your book is just the beginning of your journey as a published author. Now comes the time to promote your book, expanding your audience as wide as possible. Book promotion is no easy task, but at Cloverly Publishing, we set you up for success.

There are countless ways to promote your book, both online and in person. No matter what tactics you employ after your book is published, make sure you tailor your efforts to your book’s target audience.

Cloverly’s initial marketing

When you publish with Cloverly Publishing, we do some preliminary marketing for you. We create an individual page on our website for every book we publish. That is a direct site where you can send your interested readers. Our team of professional press release writers will handcraft a press release for your book. This press release will get global distribution through a leading press release distributor. Each of our authors’ books get the same treatment to maximize their readership.

Cloverly also uses our various social media pages (LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram) to share information about new releases. When you publish with Cloverly, we create a book launch announcement and a short video teaser for your book. Our service provides a baseline of promotional support, but you have to expand the reach of your book.

Social Media

Social media is the center of the modern marketing world. Today, every successful product, not just books, relies on social media campaigns to spread word of mouth. As a published author, this will be where you have the opportunity to reach the biggest possible audience.

Each platform has different metrics and methods to reach audiences. Your content and posts on social media should be tailored to each specific platform to maximize your potential audience. What is universal, however, is to make your book sound as engaging as possible to the target audience. No one will want to read a book that sounds uninteresting. Tailor your social media content to the audience you are trying to reach.

Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Linkedin, Facebook, Youtube, and TikTok are some of the most used social media platforms around the world, so posting on any or all of these is a good first step. Build your audience from there and engage with them as they learn more about you and your work. These platforms are generally very user friendly, but feel free to consult friends, family, and online resources for additional guidance.

Community Groups

You will have some of the greatest success sharing your newly published book with your personal community groups. Some examples of community groups are churches/religious groups, senior communities, sports teams, book clubs, cultural groups, or work groups. The people in these groups know you and will be more inclined to support your latest endeavor.

Specifically, if your book is related to any affiliation you may have, this is a perfect opportunity to personally reach interested readers. This also makes it even more crucial to put in the hard work during the publishing process so you will be proud of your finished product and eager to share it with others.

Book Launch Party

After your book is published, arrange a launch party with your community groups, family, family, or the general public. You do not have to go overboard — maybe even coordinate it with regular meetings or events — but give everyone an opportunity to buy your book. You can bring physical books with you and sign them as you sell. Or, you can provide everyone with the link to buy your book online and offer to sign them later. Signing copies of your book is a huge draw for any potential readers and will motivate them to buy it at the event.

Party Logistics

Host your party somewhere that has proper room to comfortably have the number of people you are expecting. Whether a small gathering of close friends or an open-to-the-public event at a local bookstore, make sure the space is appropriate. For example, maybe do not host a book reading at a crowded bar if you are hoping for a more intimate atmosphere.

When setting up your party, make sure you have a space for your books. When you publish with Cloverly, you get 10 complimentary copies of your book, but you can purchase more at a wholesale price from our printer. Buying your own supply of books and selling them at events like this is the easiest way to share your work with others. Plus, the profit from these sales goes directly in your pocket.

Reviews

Real people who read and review your book across various platforms build your potential audience exponentially. When someone comes across your book’s listing on a retailer’s website, they will see reviews and ratings immediately. So, it is helpful for audiences who have read our work to leave a review and rate your book five stars.

One way to boost the number of online reviews your book has is to urge your friends and family to leave their thoughts online after they read it. Similarly, at any book events you have, you can also include a link to the listing for any major retailer’s website or review sites, such as Goodreads.

Alternatively, there are online resources that help you get your book directly into the hands of real people looking to review new books. Some of these websites include NetGalley, BookSirens, Booksprout, HiddenGems, BookFunnel, and StoryOrigin. These websites can yield tangible results and legitimately boost your readership and number of reviews online. These services range in price and mechanics, but they can get your book in front of real people to review.

Your Launch Team

Promoting your book is hard and takes a lot of time and effort. It can be hard to handle alone. We recommend gathering a “launch team” of friends and family to help get your book out there after publication. Having a group of people post about your book on social media or sharing it with friends provides a strong jumpstart for your promotion.

Creating an outline to plan your book’s plot and characters before you start writing

Every book starts with an idea. Even with the smallest inkling of what you want to write about, you can develop your idea. Full-fledged books all begin with an idea. No two authors have the same writing process, but creating an outline can help guide you along your journey. Some people prefer to write without anything to guide them. However, if you are looking to write your book with an outline, here are some tips to consider.

Brainstorming a Plot

Once you have the initial idea of what your book is going to be about, it is time to brainstorm. Brainstorming is when you think of any and all ideas, even ones that may not pan out. This can be a highly creative process that you do in whatever way will be most helpful for you. The goal here is to think of as many options as possible and keep ones will be the most successful.

No matter what method you take in the brainstorming process, make sure you let the ideas and creativity flow. If you are writing with a collaborator, brainstorming can come in the form of bouncing ideas back and forth, verbally or in writing. You should always feel free to brainstorm without judgement, whether alone or with a partner.

Some ways to track brainstorming

• Freewriting, in which you jot down any idea that comes to your head without stopping or putting active thought into it — just see what comes from your mind naturally. This method can help organize your scrambled thoughts to see which is most important.

• Use a mind map, which allows you to visualize a big theme in the center that branches off into smaller and smaller details. A mind map is helpful to show concrete components of your book you want to convey.

• Write down questions about your idea that you can discuss with a collaborator or another trusted friend or family member. Having a conversation with someone else can set your ideas in motion.

• Create a list of plot points or chapter ideas in chronological order to get a sense of how your text will progress and where you need to add more information.

These are only a few examples of ways to brainstorm the plot of your book. You can try these, mix and match them, or implement any other brainstorming activities you know. At the end of the day, the goal of brainstorming is to help you write the book of your dreams — nothing you conjure in this process is final.

Developing Characters

The characters of your book are what keep readers engaged and coming back for more. Think of one of your favorite books. You probably enjoyed the story so much because you became invested in the characters and they felt like real people. Your goal is to create fully fleshed out characters with distinct traits and backgrounds.

If you have some or all of your basic plot beats figured out, you should already have some idea of what your characters will look like. After all, they are the ones that will be the driving force of the story.

Before writing, it would be helpful to list out all your characters, or at least some of the most important ones. From there, you can write specifics about their mannerisms or lives that you can refer to when writing. Even if you will not use every character’s entire backstory, knowing what motivates them will help you write their actions and dialogue.

Start Writing a First Draft

Now comes the part you have been waiting for from when you first dreamed up the idea of your book: writing. Putting pen to paper is the crux of creating your book. With your plot outlined and characters developed, writing chapters and scenes should be relatively smooth. It might even be fun! Remember that things will change while you are writing. If you start with a strong foundation, you will be able to craft a three-dimensional manuscript that you will be able to submit for publication.

Filling in the Gaps

With a first draft comes your first round of revisions. There is no guide for how you choose to edit and fill in any missing gaps in the story. Some authors choose to rewrite entire sections, some just add to what is already written. Regardless of the direction you take with your draft or how much you revise it, make sure you are proud of the end result.

What to look for when starting to write all types of love stories

No two romance novels are the same, just as no two real-life romances are the same. When it comes to writing in this prolific genre, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Writing your book is only the beginning of that process, which extends from designing the cover of your book to marketing after publication.

Know Your Audience

The most important part of writing any book, especially romance, is always keeping your intended audience in mind from the very beginning . You definitely do not want a reader of your book to be caught off guard by the content or format of your book.

Adult-targeted love stories might be the first thing that comes to mind when one mentions “romance.” These books tend to have more mature themes than other genres. When writing for adults, they have come to expect more adult content than for other audiences. While not every adult love story has to be steamy or explicit, writing for adults has the flexibility to include whatever material you deem fit for the story you are telling.

Romance for adults can cover a large swath of genres and topics, from traditional love stories to genre-bending tales with romantic elements. Romance can be infused to captivate adult readers for whatever story you are telling. Fifty Shades of Grey is different from Pride and Prejudice, but both tell a compelling love story that audiences have gone back to again and again.

Young adult literature, in general, has been an increasingly popular bestseller around the world, engaging teenage audiences across genres. Taking a look at the New York Times Best Sellers list on any given week, you will see titles that, while not solely romantic, mix love stories with other genres. Particularly, romantic fantasy (or “romantasy”) books have had an ever-growing audience. These stories entice young adults with the fantasy stories they have grown up on, like the Harry Potter franchise, with a more grown-up, multi-faceted spin. In a world in which getting young people to read books has become increasingly difficult due to shortened attention spans, engaging them with compelling stories encourages continued reading.

When writing for young adults, it is important to keep their age in mind. You never want to make the romance too explicit, but it is okay to include some mature themes. Teenagers do not need to be coddled. Exposing them to some romantic complexity can help them understand their own experiences and budding romances.

While it may not be a traditional romance story, you can write a sweet story for children that incorporates elements of Valentine’s Day. Schools around the country usually participate in some degree of Valentine’s Day festivities, and parents often like using the day to share their love for their children. Writing a book for children can help them navigate this holiday, both at home and at school.

Many Valentine’s Day books for children in the market are picture books, and when writing these books, it is important to keep that in mind. Obviously, there should be no adult themes, but it is possible to focus on the illustrations and giving valentines at school. It is also endearing to write about other types of love, including between family members, pets, and friends. Writing this kind of book for children can teach them lessons about growing up and introduce them to the concept of love in all its forms.

Character Building

No matter what your book’s audience is, every reader wants engaging characters to follow. Your characters are the backbone of your book. This is true for every fiction story, but it is especially true for romance, in which the relationship between characters is the guiding force of the narrative. When creating new characters for a romantic novel, it is important to make them feel like real people. Audiences like to see relatable characters in media they consume because it allows them to picture themselves into the story.

Put thought into your protagonists’ backstories, mannerisms, and characteristics that can motivate their roles in the story. Fully fleshed out characters keep your love story engaging, even if the plot goes in unexpected directions. Readers appreciate characters with complexity and will be eager to follow their journey, wherever it may go.

Crafting Dialogue

The dialogue in your book is another crucial detail that keeps readers engaged in the story being told. For any novel, the best dialogue is always that which sounds natural. A good way to test this while writing is to actually say your characters’ dialogue out loud yourself, or have friends and family read it out loud. Something that looks good on paper can fall flat when spoken, which is especially helpful if you plan on eventually converting your book into an audiobook.

Love stories are told through the words spoken between the love interests. This allows the characters to express their feelings for each other, as well as dig deeper into their backgrounds and personalities.

Plot Structure and Conflict

Every good novel has a core conflict that pushes the story along. Once the characters are introduced and established, the plot can go in so many different directions. A traditional love story arc goes like this: the characters meet, fall in love, some obstacle gets between them, and they eventually find their way back to each other. That is a classic structure that can be applied to almost any romance.

However, do not be afraid to put your own unique spin on the expected structure. You can use your own life or stories you have heard to influence the story. Your singular vision can inform how your characters meet. For example, in romantic comedies, the characters tend to meet in a quirky, unexpected manner known as a meet cute. Maybe your characters already know and love each other, so your characters and their love story can be introduced to the readers in any way you see fit.

The conflict is really the crux of your novel. Without conflict, the reader will have little interest in seeing what happens next. It is important to plan your conflict accordingly and give the audience a reason to root for the couple. If one of the leads is too unlikeable or does something that is unforgivable, that might be a bridge too far for the audience’s sympathy.

Happily Ever After?

Just because there is a conflict in the story that puts a hiccup in the romance, not every romance needs a happy ending. Some love stories end with the main couple apart, as long as the plot justifies the decision. As with real life, some couples are not meant to get married; your romance novel can reflect that while remaining a powerful love story. These stories are still worth telling and can even set up future installments of a series about finding love.

The process of writing a book can take many shapes. You can handwrite your thoughts on pages and pages of looseleaf paper. Or, you can have a long Microsoft Word document saved on your computer that you go back to. No matter how you wrote it, your book can be published with Cloverly Publishing.

At the beginning of the process of publishing with Cloverly, you will be put in touch with one of our literary agents, who will coordinate the details of submitting your manuscript. Once you are approved, we will help coordinate your submission until it is ready for editing.

What format should my submission be?

You can submit whatever material of your book that you have, as long as we are able to read it. If you send physical printed pages or your work in a PDF, that is fine for our initial review, but we will need it in a Microsoft Word document shortly into the process.

It is always easiest to send your initial submission as a Word document. If your book is in another format, no worries, as we have a team that will help you out. If your manuscript is accepted, our transcription team will help get your material into a Word document before beginning the next steps of the process.

Why does my manuscript need to eventually be a Word document?

A huge part of our publishing process is our editors making suggestions about your manuscript, whether they be grammatical or structural. In order to make these suggestions, our editors will review your manuscript in a Word document and make suggestions directly on the document.

Obviously, nothing will be finalized until you approve any and all suggestions, but this has to be done on Word. Our can editors can directly make suggestions to your manuscript and you can individually approve these changes, all on Word.

Once you get the go-ahead from our team, submit your manuscript in whatever format you have available. Our main goal is getting your book out into the world — we can iron out the formatting technicalities later if you are approved.

After you publish your book, the one question everyone is going to ask you is, “Where can I buy your book?” Luckily for you and your future readers, your book will be available almost anywhere books are sold!

Ingram Content Group is the largest book distributor in the world. If you ever bought a print or digital book from any store, there is a good chance Ingram was the distributor behind it. Here at Cloverly Publishing, we partner with Ingram to make sure that anyone who wants to buy your book will be able to buy it wherever they want.

From the world’s largest online retailers like Amazon, to nationwide chain stores like Barnes & Noble, to your local mom-and-pop bookstore, your print book can be sold anywhere books are sold.

For digital eBooks, there is no need for a distributor to act as the middleman, and we upload it directly to online platforms for purchase. It will be available on all the major platforms, meaning readers can purchase it for their Barnes & Noble Nook, Amazon Kindle, and any Apple iOS device.

If you decide to release an audiobook, we also directly handle uploading it for sale. The major powerhouses for releasing audiobooks: Apple, Amazon, and Audible. Your audiobook will be available for purchase at all three of these platforms.

Rest assured, your book, no matter the format, will be available anywhere your consumers would want to buy it.