How To Format Novel Manuscript

So, you've poured your heart and soul into crafting a novel, painstakingly weaving together characters, plot, and setting. You've revised, edited, and rewritten until you're sure you've got a story that will captivate readers. But what happens next? Submitting a manuscript that looks unprofessional can be a quick ticket to the rejection pile, regardless of the story's merit. First impressions matter, and properly formatted manuscripts demonstrate your professionalism and respect for the publishing process.

Think of your manuscript format as the packaging for your literary masterpiece. It should be clean, consistent, and easy to read, allowing agents and editors to focus on the strength of your writing, not the distractions of quirky fonts, inconsistent spacing, or bizarre margins. Mastering the art of manuscript formatting shows you're serious about getting published and understand the industry's conventions. It sets you apart as someone who's not only a talented writer but also detail-oriented and professional.

What are the most common manuscript formatting questions?

What font and size should I use for my manuscript?

The standard font and size for novel manuscript submissions is Times New Roman, 12-point.

This choice is driven by readability and uniformity. Agents and editors are accustomed to this format, making it easier to assess your work without being distracted by unusual typography. Using Times New Roman, 12-point, ensures consistency across different submissions, allowing readers to focus on the content rather than the presentation. Deviation from this standard might suggest inexperience or a lack of attention to detail.

While other fonts might be technically acceptable, sticking with Times New Roman eliminates any potential negative first impressions. Even if an agent or editor doesn't consciously dislike another font, the familiar appearance of Times New Roman creates a subconscious comfort. It also allows them to easily estimate page count and line spacing at a glance, which is a valuable tool in their workflow. Ultimately, formatting your manuscript professionally demonstrates respect for their time and expertise.

How should I format scene breaks?

For a standard novel manuscript, indicate scene breaks with either a blank line followed by a centered hash mark (#), an asterisk (*), or three centered asterisks (***). Consistency is key; choose one method and stick with it throughout your manuscript.

The purpose of a scene break indicator is to clearly signal a shift in time, location, or perspective to the reader. While a simple blank line *can* suffice for minor transitions, a visual cue like a hash mark or asterisks leaves no room for ambiguity. These visual cues are especially helpful for agents and editors who are rapidly assessing the manuscript’s pacing and structure. The extra line and the symbol provide a buffer, helping the reader (or the agent/editor) adjust to the new scene and preventing a jarring transition.

Regardless of the symbol you choose, ensure it is centered on the page and preceded and followed by a blank line. Avoid using overly elaborate symbols or excessive spacing, as this can appear unprofessional. The goal is clarity, not decoration. Some authors writing for digital release may use a single blank line, but for manuscript submissions to agents and publishers, a more explicit indicator is generally preferred. Remember to check the specific submission guidelines of the agent or publisher; if they have a preferred method for scene breaks, adhere to it meticulously.

What are the standard margin and spacing requirements?

Standard novel manuscript formatting calls for 1-inch margins on all sides, double-spacing throughout the entire document, and a standard, easily readable font like Times New Roman or Courier New in 12-point size.

These specifications aren't arbitrary; they are designed to provide ample space for editors and agents to annotate and comment on the manuscript. The 1-inch margins allow for handwritten notes, while the double-spacing ensures readability and prevents the text from appearing cramped. Sticking to a common font in 12-point size further enhances readability and avoids distractions that might arise from unusual or overly stylistic fonts. The goal is to present your writing in a clear, professional manner that allows the content to shine.

It's important to remember that while adhering to these standards demonstrates professionalism, it's always wise to check the specific submission guidelines of the agent or publisher you're targeting. Some may have slight variations or particular preferences. Following instructions meticulously is a crucial aspect of making a good first impression. Consistency is also key, so ensure the entire document adheres to the chosen formatting rules without deviation.

Do I need a title page, and what should it include?

Yes, you absolutely need a title page for your novel manuscript. It's the first thing an agent or editor will see, and it presents essential information about you and your work. A properly formatted title page signals professionalism and attention to detail.

Beyond simply stating the obvious – the title of your novel – your title page serves as a mini-resume for your manuscript. It tells the reader who you are and how to contact you. Critically, it also provides an approximate word count, allowing the reader to quickly gauge the scope of your project. Including a genre indication can also be very helpful, as it guides the reader towards the intended audience and market.

Here's the information your title page should include, typically centered and single-spaced:

How do I format dialogue correctly?

Dialogue in a novel manuscript should be formatted with each new speaker starting a new paragraph and using double quotation marks to enclose the spoken words. Punctuation belongs inside the quotation marks, and dialogue tags (like "he said" or "she asked") are typically separated from the dialogue by a comma.

Formatting dialogue correctly is crucial for readability and ensuring the reader can easily follow the conversation. Incorrect formatting can confuse the reader and disrupt the flow of the story. Always begin a new paragraph whenever a new character speaks, even if it's just a short response. This makes it immediately clear who is talking. Dialogue tags help clarify who is speaking, but try not to overuse them. After all, the goal is to let the dialogue speak for itself whenever possible. Varying your dialogue tags (e.g., "he whispered," "she exclaimed") adds nuance and emotion. In addition to basic formatting, pay attention to how you punctuate dialogue. Commas, periods, question marks, and exclamation points always go *inside* the closing quotation mark. If a dialogue tag follows the dialogue, use a comma before the closing quotation mark, unless the dialogue ends with a question mark or exclamation point. Also, be consistent with your use of em dashes (—) to indicate interruptions or sudden breaks in speech. Clarity and consistency are your best tools for ensuring your dialogue is both engaging and easily understood.

Should I indent paragraphs or use block formatting?

For novel manuscript formatting, you should indent the first line of each paragraph. Avoid block formatting (no indentation and a line space between paragraphs) as this is generally preferred for online content, not traditional manuscripts.

Indentation signals a new paragraph to editors and agents in a visual, familiar way. It's a convention established over decades of manuscript submissions, and deviating from it can make your work appear unprofessional or, at the very least, distract the reader from your writing. A standard half-inch indent (easily achieved in most word processors with a single tab) creates a clean, easily readable visual cue. While block formatting is common on websites and in emails, where visual space is limited, manuscripts require a different approach. Maintaining a consistent and expected format shows you understand publishing standards and respect the reader's experience. Submitting a properly formatted manuscript demonstrates attention to detail, a quality highly valued in the publishing industry.

How should I number the pages of your manuscript?

Number all pages consecutively, starting with page 1 after the title page, in the upper right-hand corner. Use a standard font like Times New Roman, 12pt, and ensure the number is easily legible but not distracting.

The title page itself is not numbered, but it *is* counted as page i.e., the next page (your first page of text) is page 1. The preliminary pages (such as a dedication or epigraph page) are counted in the overall pagination but are typically left unnumbered. After the title page, consistently use Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3...) for the rest of the manuscript. Do not use Roman numerals.

Pay close attention to headers and footers. Ideally, the page number should be the *only* thing in the header. Don't include your name, the title, or any other information in the header, as editors and publishers have their own formatting preferences. Simplicity and consistency are key here; a clear page number is all that's needed to help them keep track of your manuscript.

And that's it! Hopefully, this guide has demystified the manuscript formatting process a little bit. Now you can focus on what really matters: bringing your story to life. Thanks for reading, and best of luck with your writing journey! We hope you'll come back and visit us again soon for more tips and tricks.