For the Writer in You - Formatting Your Manuscript

I get several requests to read manuscripts from aspiring authors who have written the next must-read novel, and I try to honor all requests received. I try to. But sometimes aspiring authors shoot themselves in the foot right from the gate by making simple formatting errors that cause their manuscript to go unread (to put it nicely).

When submitting a manuscript or sample chapters to any literary professional for consideration, make sure that you:

• Use double spacing
• Set your margins for 1" on all sides
• Indent each new paragraph
• Use page numbers
• Start a new chapter on a new page
• Use Times New Roman or Courier - size 10 or 12
• Use a header to include your book title and and name


You may have written the best novel ever but if it is not properly formatted, out the window it goes! And for goodness sakes . . . don't send your manuscript in the body of your email message (unless instructed to). Sigh!
Don't do that, okay?

Happy writing!


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