1. A manuscript without a binding:
This is the most straightforward meaning. It refers to a manuscript that has been written or typed, but has not yet been bound into a book. It might be a stack of loose pages, a collection of sheets held together with a binder clip, or even just a single sheet of paper.
2. A manuscript that is not subject to traditional publishing constraints:
This is a more modern interpretation. It can refer to manuscripts that are self-published, printed on demand, or released online in digital format. In this context, "unbound" signifies a freedom from the traditional publishing process, its limitations, and its gatekeepers.
3. A manuscript that is experimental or unconventional in its form:
This meaning implies that the manuscript breaks away from traditional literary forms and structures. It might be written in a non-linear way, incorporate multimedia elements, or challenge conventional expectations about how a manuscript should be presented.
Examples:
* A handwritten journal that has not been bound into a book.
* A self-published ebook that is available for download online.
* A conceptual art piece that uses text in an unconventional way, such as a collection of found objects with handwritten notes attached.
Overall, the term "unbound manuscript" suggests a degree of freedom and flexibility, both in terms of the physical format and the creative content.