How To Create a Publisher Ready Manuscript

1. Start WriteItNow

2. Write your story. Don't worry about formatting.

3. Press F4

4. Click 'Export RTF'

It's that simple! WriteItNow will convert your story to a neat manuscript using the settings you prefer. You can then print the RTF document from a Word Processor or submit it as a file to many publishers.

If you don't like the standard settings or your publisher has slightly different requirements you can easily change the cover page, fonts, margins, headers, footers, line spacing and paragraph spacing.

Document Format

What is the Standard Manuscript Format?

Is there such a thing as a standard format for submitting manuscripts? Most publications have their own standards but in general they are looking for the same things. The nearest thing to a standard is very succinctly and clearly explained by Richard Parks in his article The Manuscript

A standard is useful because it makes it easier for editors to review manuscripts. If you keep close to the standard your chance of getting published is greater.

Fonts

Use Courier 12pt for all fonts. Underline headings. Courier is a very clear font and all its characters are the same size. This makes it easier for editors to read your manuscript. They are not really interested in your typesetting skills and fancy fonts don't impress them.

The Cover Page

This should be on a page preceding the story. Contact information (name, address, pen name, phone number and email) should be in the top left. Without this it's hard for an editor to contact you. If you cannot be contacted you probably won't be paid. To the right of the address you should put a word count.

Put the title half way down the page. Two lines below this put your name or pen name. Both title and name should be centred.

Margins

Margins are typically 1.5" for the top and 1" for the rest. This leaves a lot of white space and makes it easy for editors to add comments.

Paragraph Layout

All paragraphs should be left justified. It's usual to indent the first line of each paragraph by five spaces. The first line of the first paragraph is not usually indented.

Headers and Footers

Don't use footers. Use a header which is right justified. This should contain something to identify your manuscript (e.g. part of its title) and a page number. If the manuscript is dropped this information should enable most editors to re-assemble it. The cover page shouldn't be numbered.

Line Spacing

Use double line spacing. This gives an editor plenty of room for comments.

Anything Else?

It's usual to add an indicator to show the end of the story. '---The End---' works well. This should be centred.

A Typical Cover Page

A Typical First Page

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