How to Format Your Manuscript for Submission

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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(32 Ratings)

You've finally finished your manuscript. But is it polished and ready for an editor's careful scrutiny? Format your submission correctly and make your hard work shine.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Writing Pens
Writing Courses
Printer Paper
Padded Envelopes
Dictionaries
Pads Of Paper

Step 1

Start your manuscript with an informative title page. Type your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address in the upper right corner.
Step 2

Include an approximate word count in the upper right corner of your title page.
Step 3

Type your title and byline (use your pen name here if you have one) in the center of the page.
Step 4

Use 12-point type for the entire manuscript, and double-space your text.
Step 5

Choose a plain, easy-to-read font, such as Courier. Fancy or creative fonts annoy editors.
Step 6

Set your margins at a standard 1.25 inches on each side, and on the top and bottom of every page.
Step 7

Place a one-line header or footer on each page of your manuscript; this should include your last name, a key word or two from your title, and a page number.

Tips & Warnings

If your manuscript is a chapter of a book, start each new chapter halfway down the page. Type the chapter number; skip a line and type the chapter title. Skip two lines, indent five spaces and begin typing your text.
Read a helpful guide such as "The Chicago Manual of Style" to brush up on grammar and language usage.
Purchase a good dictionary such as "Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary."
Always run a computer spell-check on the final draft of your manuscript.
Ask your editor about specific manuscript submission guidelines. For instance, the publisher may require a specific font, margin size or manuscript length. There is no one way to format a manuscript; the steps above are a standard method.
Banish correction fluid or handwritten corrections from your manuscript. Perfect your words and present your writing in a neat package. You're not just sending an editor a manuscript; your credibility is on the line.
Don't bind your manuscript. Purchase a manuscript box or a sturdy mailing envelope for your submission, unless you have permission to send the manuscript to your editor as a fax or e-mail attachment.