Articles

Why We Sometimes Offer Editorial Guidance Before Acquisition

September 5, 2026 · Written by the Editorial Team

When a manuscript arrives at Solé Publishing House, our first question is not simply, “Is this ready to publish?”

Sometimes a submission reaches us with a strong idea, a meaningful message, a distinctive voice, or clear potential, but the manuscript itself still needs substantial development. In those cases, we do not always believe the best response is an immediate yes or no.

Sometimes the better question is:

What could this manuscript become with thoughtful revision?

At Solé, we may occasionally invite a prospective author to revise and resubmit their work before any publishing agreement is offered. This allows us to explore the manuscript’s potential without rushing either the author or the publishing decision.

What we look for first

A promising proposal may catch our attention because of its central concept, its spiritual or emotional depth, its relevance to readers, or the originality of the author’s perspective. But a strong concept does not always mean the manuscript is ready.

We may identify areas that need further work, such as structure, pacing, clarity, repetition, character development, biblical context, tone, practical application, or the handling of sensitive themes.

Rather than immediately declining a manuscript we believe has potential, we may choose to share high-level editorial guidance and invite the author to develop the work further.

What editorial guidance may include

The guidance will depend on the manuscript. For one book, the main issue may be structure. For another, it may be depth, theological clarity, pacing, or the balance between story and teaching.

We may suggest areas such as:

strengthening the overall structure;
developing chapters more fully;
reducing unnecessary repetition;
clarifying the intended audience;
deepening biblical or thematic context;
strengthening the emotional journey;
reconsidering sensitive or unclear sections;
improving the balance between information, reflection, and story;
developing practical elements for the reader where appropriate.

The purpose is not to rewrite the book for the author.

It is to help the author understand where we see promise and where we believe further work could make the manuscript stronger.

Why we do this before a contract

A publishing agreement is a significant commitment for both the author and the publisher. Once Solé acquires a manuscript, we are committing time, editorial labour, design, production, marketing, and other resources to the project.

Before making that commitment, we want to know that the manuscript can develop into a book we genuinely believe in. The revision stage also gives us an opportunity to see how an author responds to editorial feedback.

Publishing is collaborative. An author does not need to agree with every suggestion, but openness, communication, and a willingness to consider the needs of the book are important parts of the process.

A revision invitation is not an acceptance

We think this distinction is important. If we invite an author to revise and resubmit, it does not mean the manuscript has been accepted for publication. There is no publishing agreement at this stage, and there is no guarantee that the revised manuscript will ultimately be acquired.

Instead, it means:

We see enough potential to want to read this book again after further development.

Once the author has completed the revision, the manuscript is resubmitted and reviewed again. Only after that second evaluation do we decide whether to make a formal publishing offer.

The author remains the author

Editorial guidance should never mean taking ownership of someone else’s work.

Our role is to ask questions, identify weaknesses, point toward possibilities, and help the author see the manuscript more clearly. The author decides how to carry out the revision. Their voice, perspective, and creative responsibility remain their own.

We believe good editing should strengthen an author’s voice, not replace it.

Why this matters to us

At Solé Publishing House, we are interested not only in manuscripts that arrive perfectly polished. We are also interested in recognising potential. Sometimes a book is already very close to publication-ready. Sometimes the foundation is there, but the author needs time, direction, and another opportunity to develop the work.

We do not want to rush promising books into publication before they are ready. And we do not always want to reject a manuscript simply because it still needs work.

Sometimes the most responsible thing we can say is:

There is something here. Let’s see what this manuscript can become.

That is why, in some cases, the editorial relationship begins before acquisition.

A proposal may open the door.
The manuscript determines what happens next.

Solé Publishing House
Original voices. Christ-centred stories. Words written for the Kingdom.