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Remember that this is a guide. Please check the specific submission guidelines for your chosen agent or publisher.
Manuscript layout
I have always dreamed of being one of those sleek, organised people. You know the ones: they actually read the school newsletter. They never miss a detail at work. Never spill on their white shirts and they always, always have a tissue. Not because they need the tissue, but they always have one because of people like me who always spill on their white shirts.
The closest I can get to sleek and organised is to use manuscript layout. It whips my messy draft into something that actually resembles a novel.
Do you use manuscript layout?
If you have reached the point in your writing journey where you’d like to start submitting your work, you may have come across the term manuscript layout or manuscript formatting.
If you have wondered what they mean by that: it’s the way you set up your document to look like a book.
I like to think of it as another tool in your writer’s toolbox. It has unrealised benefits. Whether you are starting out or getting ready to submit, this is a skill you need to master.
Note 1: this is a general guide and can be considered the most common practice, but some agents and editors have their own preferences. You should always double-check the submission guidelines of the specific agent or editor before submitting. You can look for specific requests under their submission guidelines.
Note 2: the Deadlines for Writers site is hosted on WordPress. WordPress overrides formatting. You will not be able to post your stories with this format on the site, but I still recommend setting up your document like this, because it will help with organising your thoughts and your story.
Manuscript Formatting – Freebie
What is it?
The most basic guidelines are:
- Times New Roman, 12pt.
- Double line spacing
- Indent paragraphs
- Indent dialogue
- White space between scenes and chapters : not between paragraphs
- Margins: 1 inch or 2.5cm
- Black text on white paper: no colour
- Left aligned text
- No justification
- Header with your name and story title
- Page numbers
- Page break to start a new chapter
- Title page with story title, author name and contact details
Tip: I do many developmental edits / manuscript appraisals. I receive so many manuscripts electronically, with no identifying features. The document is saved as .finaldraft.docx or something similar and the first page starts with Chapter 1 and dives straight into the story. No name. No contact details. Nothing. It can get messy quickly. The first thing I do when I receive a manuscript is to save it correctly (according to my system) authornamestorytitledate.docx. I also add their name in headers/footers, if needed. I recommend that you make this part of your practice and pay attention to your document titles before you send or upload them.
Why Times New Roman?
Old school, I know, but it is the OG font and the only font that (apparently) will not corrupt on any device regardless of how old the machine or program is.
Do not use funny fonts or colours. Your character’s voices should be unique through your writing and not dependent on the font or colour of their scenes. No, don’t try writing it by hand with a quill to make it look like an authentic mediaeval manuscript, rather share that thought with the marketing team later.
Who needs to do this?
This is something all writers of novels and short stories have to do, whether they choose to self-publish or traditionally publish. Most publishers have specific submission guidelines — check them.
When do you need to do this?
Definitely before you submit, but I recommend setting up your document using these guidelines before you start writing. If you have not done this from the beginning, make sure to allocate time to format your manuscript correctly. It takes a while.
Why should you use it?
When you submit your work in the correct format it shows an agent or editor that you know what you are doing and that you are aware of industry standards. It makes your work look polished and professional.
For me, it indicates a change of gears. I am switching from a formal report or a blog post to my creative work.
It also helps me to keep my manuscript organised. It is easier to identify dialogue, find my scenes and the start and end of chapters: and it makes a huge difference when it comes to editing and rewriting.
Manuscript Formatting – Freebie
The last word
Get into the habit of using manuscript layout. You need to get used to writing like this it. I have included a formatting guide — just click the button to download. I hope you will find this guide helpful.
Happiness
Mia
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