Manuscript example5/5/2023 ![]() ![]() There are three primary reasons all authors should use Standard Manuscript Format whenever possible. The story begins halfway or two thirds down the second page (all new chapters or parts begin this way), and this page should be numbered 1 and have the header. At the bottom, include an approximate word count. The title and any pen name go in the middle of the title page. The upper left corner of this page contains the author’s name, address, phone number, and email. Novels and other long stories should have a title page. The header should be right aligned and contain the author’s last name, the piece’s title, and the page number. The two most common exceptions are the first paragraph of a story and the first paragraph of a new chapter/part or after a scene break. Note: Most paragraphs should be indented. Extra space between paragraphs indicates a scene break, point of view shift, or the passing of time.ġ in margins (again, this is likely your automatic computer setting) The paragraphs should have the same spacing as the lines. Note: There should not be extra space between paragraphs such as in a business letter. However, if you are not a screenwriter, this is seen as old-fashioned.ĭouble-spaced - this is a setting on your computer that puts a space between each line Note: the standard used to be a monospaced serif font where each letter was given the same space on the page like a typewriter. Serif font - this means a font with the feet at the end of each letterthat’s easy to read such as Times New Roman or Courier New Here are the basic requirements for standard manuscript format:Ĩ.5 in x 11 in paper (aka A4 or regular printer paper and the size most document programs automatically set a page to) William Shunn’s website has been the go to example for years. Page size: You should use the standard page size of 8.5 by 11 inches.Standard Manuscript Format is the way a text is presented to readers.Ending: To indicate the end of your manuscript, write the word “END” and center it after the last line.Though many people instinctively hit the space bar twice to put two spaces between sentences, this is not the correct practice. Sentence separation: Use one space between sentences after a period.Italics: In the past, writers used underlining to indicate words that they intended to italicize.Scene breaks: For scene breaks, add a blank line with a hashmark or three asterisks in the center to indicate a new scene.Pages in the front matter, such as the table of contents, copyright page, or ISBN info are numbered with Roman numerals. Page numbers: Page numbers begin with the number one and are numbered continuously, beginning with the first new page after the title page.The right-hand side of your page will not be uniform. Alignment: Your words should be aligned on the left-hand side of your page, but not justified.Do not add an extra space between paragraphs. Double-spacing your lines makes the manuscript easier to read and mark up. Line spacing: All lines should be double spaced.For most word processors, you can do this by hitting the tab key once. Indentations: For the first line of a new paragraph, you should indent a half-inch.These should be the default margins in MS Word and other word processors like Scrivener. Margins: Your pages should include one-inch margins on all sides (so your top, bottom, left, and right margins should all be uniform).Though some agents and editors may prefer different serif or sans serif fonts like Arial or Courier New, Times New Roman with a 12 point font size is the industry standard. Font: Your font should generally be 12 point Times New Roman.Follow these rules to make sure you’re adhering to standard formatting practices and common submission guidelines for fiction and nonfiction manuscripts alike: Others prefer to complete an entire manuscript before worrying about paragraph indents or page setup. Some people decide to begin formatting their work the moment they open the first page of their Microsoft Word document. Synopsis and query letter: single-spaced.First page: your name and contact information in the top left corner.Left justification one space between sentences.Font: Times Roman, Arial, or Courier, 12 point.Send all manuscripts as Word document (.doc/.docx).Adhering to the industry standards of formatting guidelines will demonstrate to your reader that you are thoughtful, careful, and professional in the way you present your work, thus increasing the likelihood that they will apply the same thoughtfulness while reading. Formatting may seem like a boring or superficial aspect of manuscript submission, but proper manuscript formatting is a crucial indicator of whether or not your editor, reader, or literary agents will take your work seriously. ![]()
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