How to Write a Book With MS Word
Writing a book is a very challenging task. Whether you're tackling fiction or nonfiction, when you first sit down to write a book, the last thing on your mind is proper formatting. It's true that the hard part is getting your ideas from your brain to the page, but you shouldn't ignore the proper formatting for writing a book in Microsoft Word. It's best to take care of the little things before you begin typing, so you can focus on getting published once the book is complete.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Start each chapter approximately halfway down the page. This can be done by pressing Enter until you reach the middle of the page or by using the vertical ruler in Microsoft Word. Write the chapter number and title. Then, press "Enter" to begin typing the first paragraph. The first page of your manuscript will include "Chapter 1."
-
2
Press "Tab" once to indent each paragraph. No extra spaces or tabs are needed. At the beginning of each paragraph simply press "Tab" one time.
-
-
3
Press "Enter" once between paragraphs. Be sure the Indent and Spacing settings are all at zero. These can be checked by clicking "Page Layout" in the toolbar.
-
4
Begin each chapter on a new page. The chapters should always begin on separate pages. If your book has multiple sections, designate one full page to headings such as "Part 1" or "Part 2."
-
5
Create headers and footers when relevant. To do this, click "Insert" in the toolbar, and select "Header" or "Footer." Then, type in the correct information. Headers should always be used. The header should include your last name and a shortened version of your book title. Footers should be used to cite sources in nonfiction books.
-
6
Use a number symbol (#) or star symbol (*) to create scene breaks. Avoid simply hitting "Enter" twice. You want to make sure the scene break is clear and won't get lost if the document is reformatted by an agent or publisher.
-
7
Include an approximate word count on the top of the first page once your book is completed. This should be separate from the header. When sending your work out to agents and publishers, the first page should also include your full legal name, your pseudonym if you're using one, your home address, phone number, and email address.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Tip: Don't forget to include uncommon sections that may be relevant to your book. These might include a table of contents, index, or appendix. Check agents' and publishers' websites for specific guidelines on how to format the various sections of your book before sending it in for review.
