Your manuscript is your ticket to the publishing world—format it well, and you’ll leave a lasting first impression.

When it comes to publishing, first impressions matter. A poorly formatted manuscript can turn away agents, publishers, or even readers before they’ve read a single word. It’s not just about looking professional; proper formatting shows you respect your craft and the industry standards.

But what does “proper formatting” mean? What rules should you follow, and what pitfalls should you avoid? Let’s dive into the dos and don’ts of formatting your manuscript to ensure your work is ready to shine.

DO Follow Industry Standards

Publishing professionals are accustomed to specific formatting standards. Deviating from these can make your manuscript difficult to read or even lead to rejection. Here’s what most publishers and agents expect:

DON’T Use Fancy Fonts or Formatting

It might be tempting to stand out by using decorative fonts, colored text, or creative formatting. Don’t. Simplicity is key. Your goal is to make your manuscript easy to read, not to distract or frustrate the reader.

Remember, publishers and agents care about the content of your work, not the bells and whistles. Keep it clean and professional.

DO Include Proper Headers

Every page of your manuscript (except the title page) should have a header. This typically includes your last name, the title of your manuscript (or an abbreviated version), and the page number. For example:

Sule / The Journey of Dreams / 45

This ensures your work stays organized, especially if printed pages get separated.

DON’T Forget to Check Submission Guidelines

Each publisher or agent may have specific formatting requirements. Some may want single spacing instead of double, or they might ask for a different font. Always check submission guidelines carefully before sending your manuscript. Ignoring these details can lead to automatic rejection.

DO Use Proper Indentation

Indent the first line of each paragraph by half an inch. This is standard practice in manuscript formatting and helps with readability. Avoid adding extra space between paragraphs unless specifically requested.

DON’T Overuse Italics, Bold, or Underlines

While italics are acceptable for emphasis or internal thoughts, avoid excessive use. Bold and underlining should be used sparingly, if at all. Overusing these elements can make your manuscript look amateurish.

DO Use Scene Break Indicators

If your story transitions between scenes, use a clear indicator like three asterisks (***) or a centered pound sign (#) to show the break. This prevents confusion and ensures the reader understands the shift.

DON’T Submit a Manuscript with Errors

Formatting errors like inconsistent fonts, improper spacing, or missing page numbers can make your manuscript appear sloppy. Proofread your work carefully before submitting it. If possible, ask someone else to review it as well.

DO Format Dialogue Correctly

Dialogue formatting is an area where many writers struggle. Remember these key rules:

Proper dialogue formatting keeps your manuscript clean and easy to follow.

DON’T Use Fancy Chapter Titles

While it’s fine to include chapter titles or numbers, keep them simple and consistent. For example:

Chapter One
or
1. The Beginning

Avoid using elaborate fonts or images in your chapter headings unless requested.

DO Save Your Manuscript in the Right Format

Most publishers and agents prefer manuscripts submitted as Word documents (.doc or .docx) or PDFs. Double-check submission guidelines to ensure you’re sending your work in the correct file format.

DON’T Submit a Manuscript Without Testing It

Before submitting your manuscript, test it. Open the file on different devices to ensure the formatting remains consistent. What looks fine on your computer might appear jumbled elsewhere.

DO Consider Professional Formatting Services

If formatting feels overwhelming, consider hiring a professional. They’re experienced in preparing manuscripts that meet industry standards, saving you time and effort.

DON’T Neglect Consistency

Inconsistent formatting—such as varying font sizes or inconsistent spacing—can be jarring and unprofessional. Ensure every page follows the same formatting rules.

DO Prepare for Print and Digital Formats

If you’re self-publishing, you’ll need to format your manuscript for both print and digital platforms. Print formatting requires attention to margins, page size, and binding, while digital formatting must ensure compatibility with e-readers.

DON’T Rush the Process

Formatting might seem tedious, but rushing through it can lead to mistakes. Take your time to get it right. A well-formatted manuscript shows you value your work and respect your readers.

Your manuscript is the bridge between your story and the world. Give it the care it deserves.

Formatting your manuscript is like setting the table for a banquet. It may not be the star of the show, but it sets the tone and creates an inviting experience. By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll ensure your manuscript is polished, professional, and ready to make a great first impression.

Remember, the time you invest in formatting is an investment in the success of your manuscript. You’ve worked hard on your content—don’t let poor formatting overshadow your brilliance.

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