Manuscript Formats

Professionalism
What Publishers Want
Formatting Tips
Sample First Pages
Formatting Your Manuscript Resources on the Web

Professionalism

Learn punctuation. Double-spaced does not mean two spaces between each word! Submit only a polished manuscript. If your manuscript is not the best it can be, hold off submitting it until later. Have yours read by members of a critique group, people who are the audience for your book, or other knowledgeable people.

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What Publishers Want

Jenna Glasser, in an article in Writer's Digest (September, 2005) gave tips on what editors look for, but may not tell you:

• Let me know of any problems with your story, work length, or deadline
• Show you're not a one-hit wonder
• Know the difference between persistent and irritating
• Don't get cute with e-mail
• Think about your sources in advance
• Tell them about sidebars, and photos or graphic possibilities
• Spelling counts

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Formatting Tips

Remember these seven tips when you format your manuscript:

1. Use white paper.
2. Print only on one side.
3. Double-space your manuscript.
4. Allow at least a 1” margin on all sides.
5. Do not justify your text.
6. Indent each paragraph but do not add an extra space between paragraphs.
7. Use the 'Header' function to add your Name/BOOK TITLE and Page Number at the top of each page.

When packaging your manuscript, remember these four submission don'ts:

1. Don't use staples.
2. Don't bind the manuscript or put it in a binder.
3. Don't send your only copy.
4. Don't send it by certified or registered mail.

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Sample First Pages

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Formatting Your Manuscript Resources on the Web

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