Novel Format Basics

The accepted format for submitting a manuscript is very straightforward. I would suggest using this format from the very beginning. Doing it wrong in the beginning and expecting to "go back and fix it later" is a bad habit to get into. The only step I would recommend waiting on is adding page numbers. I waited until I was completely done before adding my page numbers. I didn’t want to have to mess with fixing them during the editing process. Ready for a ton of info? Here we go!

Font: Use an easily readable font (Times, New York, New Century Schoolbook, and Palatino) are a few good ones. I use Times.

Font Size: 12-Point

Spacing: Your entire manuscript must be Double-Spaced and printed on only one side of the page. A manuscript that is single spaced or printed on both sides of the page is sure to end up in the trash.

Margins: You must have a 1-inch margin on all sides except the left. The left margin needs to be at 1½ to 1¾. This allows room for the agent or editor to write in comments.

Chapters: Start new chapters 1/3 of the way down the page to make them stand out. The chapter number or title is placed 3 lines above the opening line.

Page numbers: You can place page numbers on the top center or top right of the pages. Never place page numbers on the left or at the bottom.

Do not place your name anywhere on the manuscript. Your name will go on the title page, which we will get into later.

Do not place headers or footers on your pages, as these will have to be crossed out later.

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