When you pick a lily of a topic, explore every aspect from every angle as you prayerfully consider your subject.

Look for a unique perspective, then focus on what can be verified by Research and observation.

Select a theme and purpose to have a solid stem from which your outline then your actual writing grows.

List and arrange each point you want to make in a logical sequence, such as time or the natural progression that occurs as something or someone begins to change. 

Study book catalogs, periodicals, publishers’ websites and writers guidelines to get a feel for the length, tone, topics, and trends of each publication.

Consider similar works in religious or secular markets where your manuscript might fit.

Especially, consider the particular reading audience your manuscript might have. Ask yourself how or why your work will affect that group of people. Then, write what you have to say with every word it’s worth. When you’ve finished your first draft, read it aloud. Then put it aside for a while. As you return to your work later, consider your content, logic, and word choices as objectively as possible, making changes as needed. Usually, these revisions won’t involve major changes in your outline but will nicely polish your work, perhaps as you add a startling statement, an interesting fact, or a penetrating question.

If your manuscript seems lifeless, put the work aside again while you go on to another project. Read poetry or a novel. Study Fiction Writing and Writing Poetry, and consider if the techniques used for those types of writing can freshen your nonfiction too. Consider a critique to help your writing reach the next level of professionalism. Also, consider other subjects you might want to explore. Then look for each angle that shows your one little water lily picked from the pond out back and set in a milk glass on a windowsill. Consider each subject as your lily, waiting for a portfolio of possibilities.

Do you need Church approval for your manuscript? Not sure? Either way, here’s a word on imprimatur:

In most cases, your nonfiction book, novel, screenplay, or collection of poems will not need a stamp of approval (Imprimatur) by your Bishop unless your work will be used to teach the Roman Catholic faith.

The Executive Director
Secretariat of Evangelization & Catechesis for the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) Monsignor Daniel J. Kutys explained: “Under canon law, the imprimatur can be granted by the bishop of the diocese in which the writer lives or the bishop of the diocese where the publishing house is located or the bishop of the diocese in which the actual printing takes place. In practice, it is usually the bishop of the diocese in which the writer lives who is most commonly asked.”

Msgr. Kutys went on to add this helpful word, “A writer seeking the imprimatur should contact the local bishop's office to find out procedures before submitting a work. As a rule of thumb, anything used for catechetical instruction should have an imprimatur.” Since that will increase the time needed for the process Msgr. Kutys recommended, “Submit the work to the bishop in final manuscript form prior to the work's being printed. You don't want to have a printed text that needs correction.”

For more about this important topic, see the pdf file “The Permission To Publish” by the USCCB or visit the Resources page on this site. For an A to Z list of U. S. Bishops, click here.