Overview
This guide explains how to use the Text Editor feature for both outline and manuscript editing. The text editor allows you to customize, refine, and make your book uniquely yours.
Outline Text Editor
Accessing the Outline Editor
Once your outline is generated, the output appears on the right side of your screen.
To edit your outline:
Click "Chapters" in the output area
This opens the outline in full-screen editing mode
Understanding the Interface
Table of Contents Navigation
The Table of Contents appears on the left side of your screen
This shows the complete chapter outline for your book
Every outline contains three main parts
Chapter Navigation
Use the arrow beside chapter content to expand chapters
Hover over chapters to see them highlighted in purple
Click on purple-highlighted chapters to expand and view sub-chapters
Click on any section to navigate directly to that part of the manuscript
Editing Your Outline Content
Toolbar Functions
The toolbar appears at the top of your outline editor with the following tools:
1. Undo/Redo Controls
Left arrow: Undo your last edit
Right arrow: Redo your last edit (if you have stepped back)
2. Hierarchy Format Box
When expanded, this tool shows different text formats:
Introductions and Conclusions: Use Normal text format
Content: Can be bullet points or paragraphs (your choice)
Introductions and conclusions do not need subchapters
Important: Do not change the [Chapter] format of the Introduction and Conclusion.
3. Copy Tool
Use this tool to copy content without removing it from another section.
Platform-specific shortcuts:
Mac users: Will see Mac-specific copy options
Windows users: Will see Windows-specific copy options
4. Paste Function
Paste content from current outline, other outlines, or external documents
Use keyboard hotkeys (no paste button available)
Instructions for your device appear on the toolbar
5. Bullet List Tool
To add bullet points:
Click the location in the manuscript where you want the bullet
Click the bullet list icon
A bullet point will be added
Content Structure Rules
Chapter Requirements
Each Chapter must always have a title
Chapter numbers update automatically when you add or delete chapters
All chapter content is organized using Subchapters
Subchapter Requirements
Each Subchapter must have a title
Subchapter numbers update automatically
Subchapter content can be bullet points OR paragraphs
Adding New Content
Adding Subchapters
Click where you want the new subchapter placed in the outline
Select "Subchapter" from the format dropdown menu
Name your subchapter and add content
The warning for required name disappears once you start typing
Adding Chapters
Follow the same process as subchapters
Select "Chapter" from the dropdown menu instead
Editing Tips
Use backspace to undo changes
Use the undo button if you make mistakes
Finalizing Your Outline
Before proceeding to the next step:
Complete all desired edits to your outline
Click to proceed to the 'Writing Sample' step
A pop-up will appear asking you to confirm your outline
Critical Warning: Further edits CANNOT be made to the outline after clicking "Yes, finalize"
Your options:
"Yes, finalize": Locks the outline permanently
"No, go back": Returns you to editing mode for additional changes
Manuscript Text Editor
Overview
Once your manuscript is generated, you can review and edit it using Publishing.ai's manuscript editor. This editor allows you to add and change content while maintaining clean, basic formatting.
Basic Features:
Word Count and Copy Functions
Word count viewer: Appears in the top right of your manuscript
Copy button: Located next to the word count viewer
Word count adjusts automatically as you make edits
Recommended word count: 30,000-35,000 words (optimal range for your book)
To-Do List
Once your manuscript is ready, a To-Do List appears to guide you through the proper editing process. Important reminder: Care for your book as if you were putting your name on it, even when using a pen name.
Manuscript Toolbar
The editing toolbar appears on the top left of your manuscript and includes the following tools:
Bold: Make text bold for emphasis
Italics: Italicize text for emphasis
Underline: Underline important text
Headings Tool
Purpose: Format sections that need proper heading structure for interior book design
To use headings:
Highlight the text you want to format
Select the appropriate heading level from the Headings tool
To check existing heading formats:
Highlight the text in question
Check the Headings tool to see which heading style is highlighted
This helps maintain consistency with existing book organization
Text Alignment Tool
Available alignment options:
Left align: Standard text alignment
Center: Useful for callouts or special text
Justify: Makes all lines the same length (useful for block quotes)
Block Quote Guidelines:
Use for quotes of 40 words or more
Do not use quotation marks with block quotes
Lists and Bullet Points Tool
Purpose: Create properly formatted lists for interior book design
Use cases:
Numbered lists for step-by-step information
Bulleted lists for organized information points
Converting generated content to list format
Adding new list content
AI Tools
The manuscript editor includes integrated AI tools to enhance your writing and editing process. These tools help make your manuscript exactly what you want it to be for you and your readers.
Rephrase Tool
Benefits:
Improve clarity and readability: Makes sentences clearer and easier to understand
Adjust reading level: Useful for reaching audiences who prefer less advanced language
Control confusing sentences: Maintain context while improving phrasing
Enhance style and tone: Match content to your intended audience
Avoid plagiarism: Create unique phrasing for inspired text
How to Use:
Highlight the sentence or phrase you want to rephrase
Go to AI Tools in the toolbar
Click "Rephrase"
Continue rephrasing until you achieve desired results
Use Undo/Redo buttons to revert if needed
Make Shorter Tool
Benefits
Summarize for efficiency: Condense long paragraphs for easier comprehension
Enhance focus: Remove redundant or non-essential information
Create impact: Make condensed text more focused and impactful
How to Use
Highlight the sentence or phrase you want to shorten
Go to AI Tools in the toolbar
Click "Make Shorter"
Continue shortening until you achieve desired results
Make Longer Tool
Benefits
Add explanation: Provide more detailed elaboration
Increase word count: Expand content for in-depth analysis
Enrich content: Add examples, context, or background information
Improve engagement: Enhance reader understanding and interest
How to Use
Highlight the sentence or phrase you want to expand
Go to AI Tools in the toolbar
Click "Make Longer"
Continue expanding until you achieve desired results
Undo/Redo Controls
Use these buttons to fix any unintentional edits or reverse changes you don't want to keep.
Finishing Your Manuscript
Copying Your Final Manuscript
When you're satisfied with your manuscript editing:
Click the "Copy" button to copy the full document
The entire manuscript will be copied to your clipboard
Saving Your Work
Recommended storage process:
Paste your manuscript into a Google Drive document for safekeeping
If not using Google Docs, save to another cloud storage service
Include current version and date stamp of last edit in filename
This ensures you always know which version is your final working copy
Next Steps
For book design:
When happy with your final edit, provide your manuscript to a book designer for interior formatting
Watch the "Formatting Your Book" lesson for complete details
Access the lesson here
If you feel something in this guide is missing, please let us know by contacting [email protected] and sharing your feedback!