The objects of producing a first-class manuscript (4)
I believe the answer is:
aims
'the objects' is the definition.
('aim' can be a synonym of 'object')
'first-class manuscript' is the wordplay.
'first class' becomes 'ai' (A1 - top quality).
'manuscript' becomes 'ms' (abbreviation for manuscript).
'ai'+'ms'='AIMS'
'of producing a' is the link.
I am not very happy about this link. Some or all of it may belong to another bit of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for aims that I've seen before include "Purposes or intentions" , "Points a weapon" , "Sets sight on target" , "Objectives, purposes" , "Trains - intentions" .)