JW Book (jwbook.org): Book Publishing Overview

Preparing a Book Manuscript for Similarity Screening and Intake

Books are long, and long texts often contain reused passages without the author noticing. Preparing carefully before intake saves awkward revisions and protects your credibility as an author.

• Audit quotations and reused text. Go through each chapter and mark every quotation, paraphrase and adapted passage with its source. Reused material from your own thesis or earlier papers also needs clear acknowledgement.
• Secure permissions for images. Collect written permission for any photograph, diagram or table you did not create, and keep the correspondence together. Publishers generally expect this paperwork before accepting illustrated chapters.
• Structure the manuscript consistently. Use uniform headings, numbering and reference style across all chapters. An organised file is easier to screen, edit and typeset, and it signals professional care.
• Agree the intake steps in writing. Ask what files, declarations and checks are required at intake, and who receives the similarity report. Written steps prevent surprises after you have already finished the manuscript.

Document every source and permission before intake, and your book manuscript will move through screening with fewer disputes.