“What is ‘standard manuscript format’?”
I’ve heard that question asked many times
at writers’ workshops and groups, even at groups aimed at the “more advanced
writer”. So I thought I’d give a run down here. In fact, there are several
answers depending on whom you ask. Some of the “rules” you’ll hear are “guidelines”
rather than hard-and-fast instructions. And undoubtedly many will relate to the
specific requirements of individual publishers and editors. But there are some
basic rules that are applicable across the board and will make most editors
happy. These are:
Chose the correct paper size: A4 in Europe,
Letter in the USA. Only once have I seen a market specify US Letter, saying
that anything on A4 would be rejected – this seemed draconian to me but it is
best to select the appropriate size
Margins of 1.0-1.5 inches (2.5-3.0 cm) all
round
If you are British writing for a British
market, set your spell checker to British-English. It really does help. And
likewise, if you write for the American market…
Double-space text
A standard, easy-to-read font, such as Times
New Roman (especially if you send a hard copy) or Arial at 12-point
No extra line between paragraphs, but is
acceptable between section breaks and chapters
Indicate section breaks and chapters with
*** or similar (or the chapter title)
Indent the first line of new paragraphs
(although the first line of the first paragraph of new sections or chapters may
be left without the indent). Many publications request that you do not use the
tab or space bars when making indents – use the ruler guide instead. If you are
writing specifically for online or e-publication, these rules may be altered –
read the guidelines
Left justified only
Do not use an extra space between sentences.
Depress the space bar just once between sentences
Use italics for titles of films,
books, etc (some publications may ask for these to be underlined)
Include the author’s contact details
(address, email) on the first page (repeating this information on the final
page may be useful, especially on longer manuscripts)
If the guidelines state a maximum story
length of 5,000 words do not send a submission of 8,000 words without checking
beforehand. And if there is a theme and/or other requirements, ensure your
submission meets them
If submitting electronically, use the
stipulated format. If the manuscript is required as an attachment do not paste
the story in the body of the email
If you are not sure on the file type, RTF
is the best option
Usually, the email subject line must
include information that readily identifies your submission; use both story
title and your name (not the file name if different)
Typically, a short covering letter or email
is all that is required, stating basic details. Most publications do not require
a complete bibliography. A link to your blog or website will be
sufficient
A brief biography of, for example, 50-100
words is frequently required if your story is selected for publication. Do not
send a 700 word essay
Speech marks: individual editors/publishers
have their own preference. Read the submission guidelines. If you use double
quotes, use single marks for quotes within speech (see the first sentence of
this blog)
If the guidelines state that all
submissions will be read after the submission period ends allow a sensible
period before querying – say six-eight weeks. Please bear with the editor
Frequently, stories will be accepted
subject to editorial suggestions – for sense, grammar and house style. Suggestions
are intended to help the writer improve the story so consider them carefully
These guidelines are not meant to be
onerous. They will help new writers develop their trade, to learn how to send
professional-looking manuscripts to all publishers, big and small. Smart, clean
manuscripts are more likely to be read than ones presented in an idiosyncratic
format.
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