From Edie: Ginny Cruz teach writers the 3-2-1 backup strategy every writer should use to protect manuscripts from corrupted files, computer crashes, theft, and other disasters.
How to Back Up Your Manuscript: The 3-2-1 Backup Strategy Every Writer Should Use
by Ginny Cruz
Many years ago, I plopped down at my computer to work on my book manuscript. I clicked on the thumb drive file to begin, and it would not open. The pop-up message informed me the file was corrupted. Sadly, that was my only copy of my book’s manuscript. Gone.
Finally, after crying, pounding my fists on my desk, and screaming a few words from which I had to repent, I took the computer and thumb drive to my local computer store.
The computer guy did whatever computer guys do, but he was unable to recover any of my documents. But at least one good thing came from this horrific experience—I learned the backup strategy the pros use.
This article shares that manuscript-saving strategy with you so you never have to answer the question, “What would you do if your manuscript vanished tonight?”
What is the 3-2-1 Recovery Backup Strategy?
After my local computer guy apologized for not recovering my files, he said something important: “The pros always back up their files three times. It’s called the 3-2-1 Recovery Backup Strategy.”
Here’s what it is:
- 3 copies of your data (one working copy and 2 backups)
- 2 different types of media (one on your computer’s main drive (C drive) and one on an external hard drive, such as a thumb drive)
- 1 copy stored offsite (such as the cloud, or a different location to protect it from fire, theft, or natural disasters)
How Does the 3-2-1 Recovery Backup Strategy Work?
Each manuscript that you do not want to lose, which will be most everything you write, needs to be backed up three times. Every book, article, poem, or even important personal electronic documents fit the bill.
First, keep a copy of the file on your computer. This copy can be your working copy. These files are usually automatically saved onto your computer’s main hard drive, also known as the “C” drive. The exact folder it will save to vary depending on your system, but are commonly found in the folders titled Documents, Desktop, or Downloads.
Second, keep a backup copy on a thumb drive or an external hard drive. This copy is your first backup copy. These copies remain in your possession at home but are not completely safe. They can become corrupted, as did mine, or stolen. Fire and natural disasters can also damage them.
Third, keep a backup copy offsite, such as in the cloud. I use Dropbox. Other popular cloud sources are Google Drive or Apple iCloud. When you utilize one of these cloud services, a copy of your file is saved on their computer systems (aka “the cloud”), not on your computer, thumb drive, or external hard drive. Therefore, it is safer from theft, fire, or natural disasters because these companies have backups, as well.
Time to Form a New Habit
After each writing session, save your file three times. First, save it to your computer. Second, save it to an external storage medium, such as a thumb drive or external hard drive. And third, upload a copy to your cloud source.
Doing this manuscript-saving habit will save you from the pain and agony of losing an entire manuscript or vital personal document. And you will breathe much easier knowing that even if your computer is damaged or stolen or your thumb drive becomes corrupted or lost, you have a copy on the cloud.
A Final Thought
The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:12 NIV, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
While that verse is not talking about backing up computer files, it is helpful to think about the essential message of that verse, which is the power of three. One copy of your manuscript can be overpowered (corrupted or lost). Two copies are safer, but not completely safe. Three copies are not easily broken.
The next time you work on your manuscript, begin the 3-2-1 Backup Recovery Strategy and appreciate the security of always having a working copy of your latest manuscript because no one wants to rewrite an entire manuscript.
Do you have a story about a lost manuscript?
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