Any work that has not been officially printed or reproduced is referred to as a manuscript. Manuscripts are, by definition, unpublished works. Manu scriptus is a Latin term that means “written by hand.” In today’s world, a manuscript refers to an author’s completed work that has been submitted to a publisher.
Authors nowadays typically submit manuscripts that have been printed on a computer. Although some authors continue to use typewriters or even handwrite their manuscripts, most publishers have strict guidelines for manuscript formats. Although each publisher has its own set of rules, in today’s publishing world, certain conventions must be followed. When submitting a manuscript, for example, only white paper with black ink is acceptable. Writers who try to stand out by using colored papers and inks usually find that their work goes unread and that publishers don’t take them seriously.
All publishers desire easy-to-read manuscripts. When submitting manuscripts, easy-to-read fonts, wide margins, and double spacing are all required. Editors and readers who work in publishing houses read a lot of books, and they value their time and their eyesight. It’s critical for authors to adhere to each publisher’s specific manuscript formatting guidelines. Publishers ask for double spacing to give themselves enough room to add notes and suggestions to authors.
Some book and magazine publishers will accept manuscripts on a computer disc, but the majority will not. Online information publishers typically accept online manuscripts, and many have their own website management systems that writers can access directly. These tools are usually more convenient for authors, and they are also more environmentally friendly because they do not require the use of paper.
Manuscripts were typically written on vellum or parchment between 500 and 1500 A.D., known as the medieval period. Traditionally, vellum and parchment were made from the skins and guts of animals such as calves, sheep, and goats. Today, the majority of vellum or parchment is made by processing wood fiber. Manuscripts are now sent to publishers on more affordable, smoother paper. Paper is made from both wood fiber and wood pulp, but it does not have the mottled texture of parchment or vellum.