Now that your book is written, it’s time to set up your manuscript. It’s tempting to dress up your manuscript with all sorts of features available from your word processor. This is not the time for that. Publishing agents are used to reading lots of manuscripts and it is important to know that there are standards to be followed. These standards are in place so that your agent can focus on your content – not your formatting abilities.
The standard manuscript format:
- 10 words per line.
- 25 lines per page.
- Printed on white paper.
- Single-sided.
- Courier, 12 point.
- Double space with no extra space between paragraphs.
- Only one space between words or sentences.
- 1 to 1 ¼-inch margins for the top. Bottom, left, and right.
- Ragged, not justified alignment.
- Include a header on every page with your name, book title. Except the title page
- Include on the header page numbers on the top-right of every page. Except the title page.
- Title page with book title centered vertically and horizontally. Under that, add “by” followed by the author’s name, address, phone number, email address and below that the word count.
- Start the chapters with a double spaced line down from the top of the next page. Center the chapters (i.e. Chapter 1) and, if applicable, chapter titles.
- Add “End” at the bottom of the last page.
- Make sure your spell check, grammar, and punctuation are manuscript ready.
- Stack the pages in order and clip them together with a binder clip.
Don’ts
- Do not use ALL CAPS.
- Do not use too many exclamation marks.
- Do not add hyphens to break up words at the end of a line.
- Do not bind or staple your pages together.
- Do not include a cover.
A good manuscript is designed for easy reading with plenty of white space and no distractions. Digital copies are good, but it’s important to have your manuscript printed. Your publishing agent is as interested on how many words you wrote and how much paper will be needed to print them on.
Follow this guide and your manuscript will present you well. Enjoy!