Can I import a manuscript I wrote elsewhere?

Yes. PubliWrite gives you two ways to import a manuscript created outside the platform.
You can:

• Import a Word document and continue editing it inside Creator Studio
• Upload a finished PDF or EPUB file that is already prepared for publication

The option you choose depends on whether you still need to edit the manuscript.

Which import option should I choose?

Importing a Word document

You can import a Microsoft Word file in .docx format and continue editing it inside Creator Studio.
This option is useful when you already have a draft written in Microsoft Word or another writing program but still need to edit, organize, format, or prepare it for publication.
The maximum Word file size is 50 MB.

How do I import a Word document?

To import your Word manuscript:

1. Go to your Writing Dashboard.
2. Click New book.
3. Select Import a Word document.
4. Add your working title.
5. Choose the relevant genres.
6. Click Open Studio.
7. Drag and drop your .docx file into the upload area, or click Browse to select it from your device.
8. Wait for the file to finish uploading.
9. Click Import & detect chapters.

PubliWrite will process the document and open it as an editable manuscript in Creator Studio.

What happens during the Word import?

When you import a Word document, PubliWrite will:

• Read and import the text from your file
• Preserve headings and paragraphs where possible
• Detect possible chapters using your document headings
• Split the manuscript into editable chapters
• Open the imported manuscript in Creator Studio

Most documents are processed in under a minute, although larger or more complex files may take longer.

How are chapters detected?

PubliWrite uses the headings in your Word document to identify possible chapter divisions.
Clear and consistent headings can improve chapter detection, but they are not required.
After importing, you can:

• Rename chapters
• Reorder chapters
• Merge chapters
• Add new chapters
• Remove unnecessary sections
• Correct chapter divisions that were not detected as expected

Can I continue editing the imported Word document?

Yes. An imported Word document remains editable inside Creator Studio.
After importing it, you can:

• Edit or rewrite the text
• Add and organize chapters
• Adjust formatting
• Add comments
• Invite collaborators
• Use version history
• Use PubliAgent tools
• Preview the book
• Prepare the manuscript for digital or print publication

What Word formatting is preserved?

PubliWrite will try to preserve the structure of your Word document, including headings and paragraphs.
However, complex formatting may not transfer exactly as it appeared in the original file.
After importing, review:

• Chapter divisions
• Headings
• Paragraph spacing
• Lists
• Page breaks
• Images
• Tables
• Decorative formatting
• Other complex layout elements

You can correct and refine these elements inside Creator Studio before publishing.

Uploading a finished PDF or EPUB

If your manuscript is complete and does not need to be edited inside Creator Studio, choose I already have a finished file.
This option allows you to upload a final PDF or EPUB file directly as part of the publishing process.
The file should already be fully prepared for the format you want to publish.

What does “publication-ready” mean?

A finished PDF or EPUB should be complete and ready for publication before you upload it.
Make sure that:

• The full manuscript is included
• Chapters and sections are in the correct order
• The title and author name are correct
• The formatting is clean and consistent
• Images display correctly, where applicable
• The file opens without errors
• The file is not blank or corrupted
• The file is not password protected
• You are uploading the correct final version

A finished PDF or EPUB uploaded through this option cannot be edited inside Creator Studio.
If changes are needed, update the original file outside PubliWrite and upload the corrected version.

Additional requirements for print PDFs

If you are uploading a PDF for a paperback or hardcover edition, the interior file should already be prepared for physical production.
Check that:

• The page size matches the size selected during publishing
• Margins and spacing are correct
• Text is not too close to the trim edge
• Chapters and pages are in the correct order
• Page numbers appear correctly, where included
• Images are clear and positioned correctly
• Blank pages are intentional
• The file opens correctly
• The PDF is not password protected

The print PDF should be the final version you want readers to receive.

What should I check before importing a Word document?

Before uploading your .docx file, make sure that:

• The file opens correctly
• It is saved in .docx format
• It is no larger than 50 MB
• It contains the correct manuscript
• Chapter headings are clear, where possible
• It is not password protected
• You have permission to publish all included content

What should I check before uploading a finished file?

Before uploading your PDF or EPUB, make sure that:

• The manuscript is complete and final
• The file matches the publishing format you selected
• A print PDF is correctly prepared for physical production
• The interior formatting is correct
• The file opens without errors
• The file is not corrupted or password protected
• You are uploading the correct final version
• You have permission to publish all included content

What if the import or upload does not work?

If your file does not upload or import correctly, try the following:

• Confirm that the file uses the correct format
• Make sure the file opens correctly on your device
• Check the file size
• Remove any password protection
• Simplify unusual Word formatting
• Use clear headings to improve Word chapter detection
• Refresh the page and try again
• Try another browser or device

If the issue continues, contact PubliWrite support at info@publiwrite.com.
Include:

• The type of file you are uploading
• The file name
• The file size
• The browser and device you are using
• A screenshot of the issue or error message, if available

Related articles

• How do I start writing a new book on PubliWrite?
• How do I publish my book on PubliWrite?
• What should I check before submitting my book?
• What are the manuscript and interior file requirements?
• How long does the book review process take?

Updated on: 14/06/2026