A Few Things That Set Great Manuscripts Apart, and Our Favourite Inspirational Resources
So much of writing is instinctive. Perhaps a sentence arrives unannounced, or a scene unfolds as we sleep. Sometimes a voice seems to take shape all on its own – and if you’re lucky, the words begin to flow as if beyond thought. But alongside that creative magic sits something quieter and just as important: technique.
At Vindigo Press, we’ve read many manuscripts over the years. And while every story is different, there are certain craft elements that consistently set strong submissions apart. Whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, memoir or poetry, here are a few key things to keep in mind as you shape your work.
Top Tips for Crafting a Great Manuscript
1. Grip the reader early.
First impressions matter – especially in publishing. Most editors won’t wait around to “see where it’s going.” They want to be drawn in from the first paragraph, sometimes even the first line.
That doesn’t mean your book needs to start with fireworks, but it does mean that your opening should be deliberate. Ask yourself: What tone are you setting? What question are you planting in the reader’s mind that they’ll want answered? Why this moment?
Be purposeful.
2. Rhythm is more than flow.
Good writing has a pulse. One of the simplest ways to strengthen yours? Vary your sentence lengths. Short sentences offer punch. Long ones allow depth and nuance. When used together, they create rhythm – movement on the page that feels natural and keeps the reader engaged.
We often see promising manuscripts let down by flat, repetitive cadence. Monotony can dull even the most compelling story. But when rhythm is used intentionally, it becomes a form of music and it makes the reading experience immersive.
Pro tip: Read your work aloud! You’ll hear what works and what clunks.
3. Let the voice do the work.
Whether you’re writing in first or third person, the voice of your book is everything. It’s what makes your story yours – both in what you say and how you say it.
We’d rather hear a strong, distinct voice with a few rough edges than a technically correct one that feels flat. That voice is what keeps a reader invested, even when the pace slows or the plot thickens.
Ask yourself: Does the voice match the tone and stakes of the story? Is it consistent and compelling?
4. Trim what you don’t need.
Every word should earn its place. That doesn’t mean cutting your manuscript down to the bone – only that it should feel considered.
Too many drafts are padded with repetition, filler, or scenes that don’t serve the story. And often, the most powerful writing is hidden just beneath the overwritten version. Be willing to revise and to let go. Instead of losing your voice, good editing can help with landing it more clearly.
5. Know what you’re writing towards.
It’s easier to hold a reader’s attention when you’re clear on where your story is going, even if that path shifts along the way. Your manuscript should feel like it’s building towards something, whether emotionally, symbolically, narratively, or thematically.
This doesn’t mean your story must resolve neatly. But it should feel intentional. A reader (and a publisher) needs to sense that they’re in steady hands.
Want to Sharpen Your Craft? Here Are a Few Resources We Love:
No writer ever stops learning, and there are a few timeless guides that can help you grow:
1. Steering the Craft by Ursula K. Le Guin
This is a practical, intelligent guide from one of the most celebrated writers of our time. It includes short, focused exercises and thoughtful commentary on everything from point of view to sound and syntax. It’s especially helpful for fiction writers, but the lessons apply widely.
2. The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
This book is more about unlocking creativity than refining structure, but it’s a game-changer for anyone (not just artists) who feels stuck, uncertain, or disconnected from their work. With its emphasis on habits like morning pages and self-dates to get to know your “inner artist”, The Artist’s Way helps restore the joy and trust in your voice and reminds us of the importance of play.
Part memoir, part masterclass, this is a candid and accessible resource for writers at all levels. It’s practical without being prescriptive, and deeply encouraging about the value of storytelling and perseverance.
4. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
If you need a dose of honesty and humour about the writing process, this is a classic. Lamott writes with warmth and clarity about the ups and downs of writing, revision, and self-doubt, always returning to the idea that the best way forward is simply one step at a time.
5. Online communities & local workshops
Writing doesn’t always have to be solitary. Consider joining a workshop or critique group in your city or online. Hearing how your work lands with others – and reading other writers’ work – is one of the fastest ways to improve your own. Here is a list of some local writing communities in South Africa.
Writing with Intention
Here at Vindigo Press, we look for craft, clarity, and heart in the manuscripts that we receive.
We’re a niche publishing house with deep respect for the written word, and we work closely with the authors we sign. If you’ve written something meaningful and carefully made, we hope you’ll consider sharing it with us.
Read our blog with tips on how to make your manuscript submission stand out. When you’re ready, take a look at our submission guidelines and email us at submissions@vindigopress.com – we might just be the right place for your story.
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