A manuscript is a handwritten or typed document that contains the text of a literary work, such as a book, article, or script. It serves as the original version before it is published or printed. Manuscripts can vary in length and format, depending on the author's intent and the type of work being created. Historically, manuscripts were often created by scribes and were essential for preserving knowledge before the invention of the printing press. Today, authors may submit their manuscripts to publishers for consideration, and they can also be shared digitally. Manuscripts are important in fields like literature, history, and academic research.