So, my manuscript is getting there. Well it’s written at least, now for the editing and formatting to start.
When it comes to the correct way to format my document here is what I have so far, if anyone can add or take anything away from this list it would help a lot:
Double space. I always thought this meant double space each word, however I now know that it means to double space each line.
Margins. Be of a reasonable size, not showing a single column of text in the middle of the page.
Font. Cannot find any specific examples other than Times New Roman so I will be going with that.
Size. Again the only example I can find is size 12.
In addition: Print on one side of paper only. Do not bind the work. Number each page. Add a header/footer with title and author name.
While all that seems fairly simple and obvious the next part is kind of fuzzy;
Do I add a spare line beneath each of my own paragraphs or let the double spacing do the work?
Is it preferred to indent paragraphs of dialogue or leave them 'out on the edge'?
Thanks for any light someone can shed on this for me.
Michael
Thanks for the input everyone. I won't dwell too much on this.
The work itself is, obviously, more important.
Dawud, DO NOT PUT THE COPYRIGHT SYMBOL ON YOUR MS. Just don't. It does not give a good impression. Your MS has copyright by virtue of its existence. Agents are not looking to steal your MS or your ideas.
Michael: Times New Roman, size 12, double spaced, 1 inch margin, page numbers in bottom right hand corner, your surname and title divided by a backslash (Surname/MYBOOK) either in the header or footer the title of your MS, page breaks for new chapters (you'll find the page break option under the insert menu in word). I don't know the official policy on tabbing paragraphs, but I indent them. You aren't going to get rejected or even annoy somebody by getting that bit wrong.
Most books have the first line of any new chapter un-indented, then paragraphs indented thereafter. Your speech ought to be indented, too, whether you begin with inverted commas or the thoughts/actions etc. of the speaker.
I always left-justified typescript without worrying about the right, simply because I thought double-spaced lines didn't need it. And I'd say the only time you need to worry about double-double spacing is when you would normally put a line break between paragraphs, which you normally wouldn't unless you're changing scene or character mid-chapter. Some put a row of asterisks instead.
Best of luck with your submissions :)