Uploading Manuscripts

Learn how to upload your manuscripts to ChapterWise for analysis. ChapterWise supports multiple file formats and provides intelligent chapter detection to prepare your work for analysis.

Supported File Formats

ChapterWise accepts manuscripts in the following formats:

Primary Formats

  • PDF (.pdf) - Most common format, supports text extraction
  • Microsoft Word (.docx) - Native support with formatting preservation
  • HTML (.html) - Web-formatted manuscripts with styling
  • Markdown (.md) - Plain text with formatting markers
  • Plain Text (.txt) - Simple text files

Legacy Formats

  • Rich Text Format (.rtf) - Cross-platform formatted text
  • XML (.xml) - Structured markup documents

Upload Process

Step 1: Access the Upload Page

Log into your ChapterWise account and navigate to your dashboard. Click "Import New Manuscript" or "Upload Manuscript" to begin the upload process.

Step 2: Select Your File

  1. Click "Choose File" or drag your manuscript into the upload area
  2. Select your manuscript file from your computer
  3. Verify the file name and format are correct

Step 3: Provide Manuscript Details

Fill in the following information about your manuscript:

Required Fields

  • Title: The title of your work
  • Author: Primary author name
  • Genre: Select from dropdown (Novel, Poetry, Drama, Non-fiction, etc.)

Optional Fields

  • Description: Brief summary of your work
  • Language: Primary language (defaults to English)
  • Publication Year: If previously published
  • ISBN: For published works

Step 4: Processing Options

Choose your processing preferences:

Chapter Detection

  • Automatic: Let ChapterWise detect chapters using AI
  • Manual Markers: Specify your own chapter divisions
  • Single Document: Treat as one continuous piece

Analysis Modules

Select which analysis modules to run immediately:

  • Quick Analysis: Summary, Characters, Writing Style
  • Full Analysis: All available modules
  • Custom Selection: Choose specific modules

Step 5: Upload and Process

  1. Review all settings and manuscript details
  2. Click "Upload and Process" to begin
  3. Monitor the progress indicator
  4. Wait for processing to complete (typically 2-5 minutes)

File Size Limits

  • Free accounts: Up to 10MB per file
  • Pro accounts: Up to 50MB per file
  • Enterprise accounts: Up to 200MB per file

For larger manuscripts, consider: - Splitting into volumes - Using compressed formats - Contacting support for assistance

Best Practices

Content Preparation

  • Remove draft notes and comments before upload
  • Ensure text is final or near-final version
  • Include front matter (dedication, acknowledgments) if desired

Character Names

  • Use consistent spelling and formatting for character names
  • Avoid excessive abbreviations or nicknames without context
  • Include a character list if your work has many characters

Organizing Multiple Works

Series and Sequels

  • Use consistent naming conventions
  • Upload in chronological order when possible
  • Consider creating a project folder for related works

Versions and Drafts

  • Include version numbers in titles (e.g., "My Novel v2.0")
  • Use clear naming for drafts vs. final versions
  • Archive old versions before uploading new ones

💡 Tip: For detailed guidance on formatting your manuscript for optimal chapter detection, see our Chapter Detection guide.

Troubleshooting Upload Issues

Common Problems

File Won't Upload

  • Check file size: Ensure within your account limits
  • Verify format: Confirm file is in supported format
  • Check connection: Ensure stable internet connection
  • Clear browser cache: Refresh and try again

Text Not Detected

  • Scanned PDFs: Use OCR software first to convert to text
  • Image-based files: Convert to text format before upload
  • Encrypted PDFs: Remove password protection first

Chapter Detection Fails

  • Review formatting: Ensure consistent heading styles
  • Try manual mode: Specify chapter breaks manually
  • Contact support: For assistance with complex documents

Error Messages

"Unsupported File Format"

  • Convert your file to a supported format
  • Check file extension matches actual format
  • Try exporting from your word processor again

"File Too Large"

  • Compress your file or reduce image quality
  • Split large works into multiple volumes
  • Upgrade your account for higher limits

"Processing Failed"

  • Check for corrupted file by opening in original application
  • Try uploading a different format of the same content
  • Contact support if problem persists

Security and Privacy

Data Protection

  • All uploads are encrypted during transmission
  • Files are stored securely on our servers
  • Access is limited to your account only

Content Ownership

  • You retain all rights to your uploaded content
  • ChapterWise does not claim ownership of your work
  • Analysis results belong to you

Privacy Settings

  • Mark manuscripts as private during upload
  • Control who can access your analysis results
  • Delete manuscripts and data at any time

After Upload

Once your manuscript is successfully uploaded:

  1. Review the chapter detection - Verify chapters were split correctly
  2. Check character extraction - Review initial character list
  3. Start detailed analysis - Run additional analysis modules
  4. Explore results - Navigate through analysis dashboards
  5. Export if needed - Download analysis results in various formats

Getting Help

If you encounter issues during upload:

  • Help Center: Check our comprehensive help documentation
  • Support Chat: Available 24/7 for technical assistance
  • Community Forums: Connect with other ChapterWise users
  • Video Tutorials: Step-by-step visual guides

Next Steps

After successfully uploading your manuscript: