01
Keep chapter labels
Use simple chapter headings so findings can refer back to useful locations.
Guide
How to prepare a plain text manuscript for continuity review
Use plain text when you want a simple, portable manuscript input for continuity analysis.
Short version
What matters most
Plain text is the simplest format. It works best when chapter breaks and scene breaks are visible enough for an author to understand the finding locations later.
- Plain text is useful when formatting is not important.
- Keep a separate editable source file for fixes.
- Use clear labels for prologues, epilogues, and appendices.
Steps
Prepare the manuscript
Use these steps before running a Wise Wombat continuity assessment.
02
Mark scene breaks consistently
Use a plain separator such as three asterisks or a clear blank-line pattern.
03
Avoid pasted notes
Remove outlines, comments, and planning material unless you want them treated as manuscript text.
04
Check encoding and spacing
Open the file once before upload to make sure punctuation, paragraph breaks, and special names are readable.
FAQ
Common questions
Format and workflow decisions are easier when the goal is clear: a readable current manuscript in the intended order.
Will plain text preserve formatting?
No. Plain text is best when the words and reading order matter more than formatting.
Is plain text good for complex books?
It can be, as long as chapter and scene boundaries are clear enough for review.