Manuscript Format
There are two schools of thought regarding manuscript format: old school and new school. What makes this a sticky topic is that the more modern approach
is the most readable format and is what most writers feel comfortable with (as do most editors), but the few editors who still conform to the older format do so
with vehemence, and sometimes, a bit of self righteousness. So, having said that, here we go.
[1] Only print on one side of the page.
[2] Margins
Minimum of 1" maximum of 1.5" for the sides and bottom.
1.5" on top (to leave room for the running head inside the margin.)
[3] Paragraph format
Turn off "widows & orphans" so that every page has the same exact number of lines.
[4] Font
Times New Roman 12 point
[Old school] Courier 12 point
[5] Double space
[6] Italics
Indicate an italic font by underlining instead of actually using italics. (This is much easier for an editor to distinguish.)
[7] Running head
In the header (at the top) of every page put the following:
Top right corner: page number
Middle: title or title abbreviation
Left corner: authors last name
(Note, it is acceptable to put the authors name and the title in the left corner formatted thusly: Last Name/Title.)
[8] Chapter breaks
Two lines up from the center of the page type "Chapter [Whatever]."
Drop down two spaces and start the new chapter.
Options: You can choose to omit the first indention and start the line flush left.
You can omit the chapter number.
You can start the chapter 1/3 of the way down the page instead of halfway.
[9] Scene break (scene break/time jump/location jump/POV change)
To indicate a scene break, skip a line (double spaced) and center four asterisks (****) on the skipped line (to make it more visible).
Options: Some editors prefer "--#--". Others prefer a singe pound sign (#).
[10] Cover Page
In the center of the page in bold, type the title.
Option: Some people use all caps in place of boldness
Two carriage returns (double spaced carriage returns) below the title, center the authors name.
Option: If you are using a pseudonym, put it under your name prefaced with "w/a" (writing as).
Lower right corner: word count
Lower left corner: stack your name (actual name), address, phone number, and email address.
And that's all there is to it.
As for packaging your manuscript, here's how it's done.
[1] Never bind your manuscript (no three ring binders either). The pages should be free.
[2] Use a single rubber band to secure it (In case it falls off an editors desk).
[3] Place a blank sheet before and after the manuscript (to soak up those nasty coffee rings).
[4] Be sure to include a cover letter. (Don't forget to refresh the editor's memory as to who you are.)
[5] Assuming that the manuscript was requested (if not, what are you doing sending it?) then stamp or write "Requested Material" on the exterior of the box.
[6] Don't seal the box with any more tape than necessary. Don't make it a challenge to open.
[7] Address it; throw on postage; and send it out into the world.
Good Luck!
is the most readable format and is what most writers feel comfortable with (as do most editors), but the few editors who still conform to the older format do so
with vehemence, and sometimes, a bit of self righteousness. So, having said that, here we go.
[1] Only print on one side of the page.
[2] Margins
Minimum of 1" maximum of 1.5" for the sides and bottom.
1.5" on top (to leave room for the running head inside the margin.)
[3] Paragraph format
Turn off "widows & orphans" so that every page has the same exact number of lines.
[4] Font
Times New Roman 12 point
[Old school] Courier 12 point
[5] Double space
[6] Italics
Indicate an italic font by underlining instead of actually using italics. (This is much easier for an editor to distinguish.)
[7] Running head
In the header (at the top) of every page put the following:
Top right corner: page number
Middle: title or title abbreviation
Left corner: authors last name
(Note, it is acceptable to put the authors name and the title in the left corner formatted thusly: Last Name/Title.)
[8] Chapter breaks
Two lines up from the center of the page type "Chapter [Whatever]."
Drop down two spaces and start the new chapter.
Options: You can choose to omit the first indention and start the line flush left.
You can omit the chapter number.
You can start the chapter 1/3 of the way down the page instead of halfway.
[9] Scene break (scene break/time jump/location jump/POV change)
To indicate a scene break, skip a line (double spaced) and center four asterisks (****) on the skipped line (to make it more visible).
Options: Some editors prefer "--#--". Others prefer a singe pound sign (#).
[10] Cover Page
In the center of the page in bold, type the title.
Option: Some people use all caps in place of boldness
Two carriage returns (double spaced carriage returns) below the title, center the authors name.
Option: If you are using a pseudonym, put it under your name prefaced with "w/a" (writing as).
Lower right corner: word count
Lower left corner: stack your name (actual name), address, phone number, and email address.
And that's all there is to it.
As for packaging your manuscript, here's how it's done.
[1] Never bind your manuscript (no three ring binders either). The pages should be free.
[2] Use a single rubber band to secure it (In case it falls off an editors desk).
[3] Place a blank sheet before and after the manuscript (to soak up those nasty coffee rings).
[4] Be sure to include a cover letter. (Don't forget to refresh the editor's memory as to who you are.)
[5] Assuming that the manuscript was requested (if not, what are you doing sending it?) then stamp or write "Requested Material" on the exterior of the box.
[6] Don't seal the box with any more tape than necessary. Don't make it a challenge to open.
[7] Address it; throw on postage; and send it out into the world.
Good Luck!
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