How to Format a Book Manuscript
To format a book manuscript for professional submission, adhere to industry standards: use 12-pt Times New Roman, double-space the text, and maintain 1-inch margins. Ensure the file is named clearly (Lastname_TITLE_date.docx) and includes a professional header with your surname and page number on every page except the title page.
Key Takeaways
Always prioritize specific submission guidelines over general industry rules.
Use 12-pt Times New Roman, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins on all sides.
Format the file name as Lastname_TITLE_date.docx for easy identification.
The title page must include contact details and the total word count to the nearest thousand.
What are the general formatting standards required for a manuscript submission?
Standard manuscript formatting ensures readability and professionalism for agents and editors. The baseline requirements dictate specific settings for page size, font, margins, and spacing. These standards are crucial because they allow reviewers to focus solely on the content rather than being distracted by non-standard presentation. Always confirm regional page size requirements, using Letter for North America and A4 internationally.
- Page Size: Use Letter (8.5” x 11”) for US/Canada submissions or A4 (210 x 297mm) for most other territories.
- Font: Use 12-pt Times New Roman or a similar standard typeface; sans serif is acceptable only if specified.
- Margins: Maintain 1 inch on all four sides (default setting); do not adjust or tinker with this standard.
- Spacing & Indentation: Use double-spaced lines, 0.5” paragraph indents, and no extra line breaks between paragraphs.
How should I name my manuscript file for submission?
Proper file naming is the first step in professional submission, ensuring your document is easily identifiable and trackable. Use a clear, standardized convention that includes your last name, the book title, and the date of the version being submitted. This practice prevents confusion and ensures compatibility across different systems, typically requiring a standard .docx or .doc format.
- File Naming Convention: Format the file name as Lastname_TITLE_date.docx.
- Separators: Use underscores to separate words within the file name.
- File Format: Use the standard .docx or .doc format, compatible with Word and Google Docs.
What are the required settings for margins and page setup in a manuscript?
Setting the correct margins and page size is fundamental to manuscript presentation, establishing the physical boundaries of the text. You must verify that the margins are set to one inch on all four sides, which is the universal standard for readability and printing proofs. Simultaneously, confirm the correct paper size—Letter or A4—based on the geographical location of the submission.
- Verify 1-inch margins on all sides of the document.
- Set the correct Paper Size, choosing between Letter or A4 depending on the territory.
Which font style should be used when formatting a book manuscript?
The choice of font style is critical for maintaining a professional and easily readable manuscript. The industry standard is 12-point Times New Roman, which is universally accepted and minimizes eye strain for editors reading hundreds of pages. Adhere strictly to this font unless the specific submission guidelines explicitly state an alternative. Consistency in font size and style throughout the entire document is mandatory.
- Use Times New Roman at 12-point size.
- Only deviate from Times New Roman if the submission guidelines specifically state otherwise.
How should line spacing and paragraph indentation be configured?
Line spacing and indentation are essential for providing adequate white space, which aids readability and leaves room for editorial notes. The manuscript must be double-spaced throughout, allowing editors to mark up the text clearly. Every new paragraph should use a first-line special indent of 0.5 inches, avoiding manual tabs or extra line breaks.
- Set Line Spacing to Double for the entire manuscript.
- Use First Line Special indentation, setting the Paragraph Indent to 0.5 inches.
What information must be included in the manuscript header and how should it be formatted?
The header serves as a running identification tag, ensuring every page can be traced back to you. It must be placed at the top of the page with right alignment and should contain your surname, a keyword from the title, and the page number, all in ALL CAPS. The page count should start at zero for the title page, requiring the 'different first page' option.
- Header Content Format: Use SURNAME/TITLE KEYWORDS/PAGE # in ALL CAPS; abbreviate the title if it is longer than three words.
- Page Numbering Setup: Start the page count at 0 for the Title Page; use the 'different first page' option.
- Number Position: Place the page number at the Top of Page with Right Alignment.
What elements are required on the manuscript title page?
The title page acts as the professional cover sheet, providing all necessary identifying information. It should be formatted using 12pt Times New Roman and must be the first page (page 0). Key content includes your contact details (top left), the total word count (top right), and the book title (ALL CAPS) and author name centered. Do not include dedications or copyright pages.
- Font: Use 12pt Times New Roman, Black.
- Top Left: Include Contact Details (Name, Email, Phone).
- Top Right: Include the total Word Count (to the nearest thousand).
- Center: Place the Book Title (ALL CAPS) and Author Name (two lines below the title).
- Bottom Center: Specify the Category/Genre (e.g., Adult, YA, MG).
- Exclusions: Do not include dedications, copyright pages, etc.
How should chapters and scene breaks be structured within the manuscript?
Consistent chapter structure is vital for maintaining narrative flow and professional presentation. Each new chapter must begin on a fresh page using a page break. The chapter heading (e.g., CHAPTER #) should be centered and placed approximately one-third of the way down the page. For internal scene breaks, use a hash symbol (#) or three spaced asterisks (* * *) to indicate a shift.
- New Chapter Start: Use a Page Break to start on a fresh page, positioning the text about 1/3 down the page.
- Chapter Heading Format: Use CHAPTER # (ALL CAPS, Center Aligned), optionally followed by a Subtitle/POV Character Name.
- Optional: Include a Time Gap indicator two lines above the heading (e.g., 'Three years later').
- Scene Breaks: Use a hash (#) or three spaced asterisks (* * *) to denote a break in the narrative flow.
What are the key style notes and prohibited formatting elements to check during proofreading?
Adhering to specific style conventions demonstrates professionalism. Consult references like the Chicago Manual of Style for complex issues. Crucially, avoid common formatting errors: never use ALL CAPS in dialogue, and never use underlining for emphasis. Ensure you use only a single space after periods or full stops, as the double-space convention is outdated.
- Style References: Consult the Chicago Manual of Style for comprehensive guidance.
- Prohibited Formatting: Never use ALL CAPS in dialogue; never use underlining.
- Punctuation Rule: Use a single space after periods/full stops.
What are the final steps for concluding and submitting the formatted manuscript?
The finalization stage ensures the manuscript is complete and ready for submission. The most important rule is the priority rule: always follow the specific agency or publisher submission guidelines first, even if they contradict general industry standards. Mark the conclusion clearly by writing 'The End' immediately after the final paragraph to signal the definitive conclusion of the narrative.
- End Marker: Write 'The End' at the conclusion of the manuscript.
- Priority Rule: Always follow specific agency/publisher submission guidelines first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 12-pt Times New Roman the standard font for manuscripts?
Times New Roman is the industry standard because it is highly readable and professional. Its consistent use ensures that agents and editors can focus on the content without visual distraction, minimizing eye strain during long reading sessions.
Should I use single or double spacing in my manuscript?
You must use double-spaced lines throughout the entire manuscript. This spacing is essential as it provides necessary white space for editors and proofreaders to write notes, corrections, and queries directly onto the printed pages.
What is the correct way to format the manuscript header?
The header should be in ALL CAPS, right-aligned, and include your surname, a title keyword, and the page number (e.g., SMITH/NOVEL/15). Ensure the page count starts at zero for the title page and appears on all subsequent pages.
How should I indicate a scene break within a chapter?
To indicate a scene break, use a clear visual marker centered on the line between the two scenes. The standard markers are either a hash symbol (#) or three spaced asterisks (* * *). Do not use extra blank lines.
What is the most important rule to remember before submitting the manuscript?
The most important rule is to always prioritize the specific submission guidelines provided by the agent or publisher. If their requirements conflict with general industry standards (like font or margin size), their specific instructions must be followed first.
