In order to create excellent, professional, and expert impression when attempting to market your manuscript, it has to be formatted properly and presented in as perfect style as possible. Here are some basic guidelines you can follow to make sure your document is in an exceptional form.
Format your manuscript to publishing standards
Format your manuscript to publishing standards by using one-inch margins and justifying your text to the left only (i.e., the textual content is flush with the left margin, but the right edge is ragged). Use a clear, effortlessly readable font − nothing fancy or decorative. Most publishing-industry experts prefer Courier or, on occasion, New Roman fonts, mainly for the reason that they are the easiest on the eyes, with clearly defined and well spaced letters. Set the textual information material to 12-point size and double space the entire document.
Are the headings in a typical style?
Subsequently, examine your manuscript to make sure that the headings are in a typical style and consistent throughout. If the most important early chapter headings are in a unique or headline-style capitalization, it is very important to maintain consistency throughout your entire manuscript; likewise with any subheadings or bulleted lists. Often, authors have fun experimenting with a wide variety of page formats and designs during the course of writing. That is OK, and it may even suit their inventive mood. However, once your work is ready to be marketed, all the formatting should be standardized and consistent − devoid of any distinct flourishes or artistic touches. Our skilled editors can always check the formatting and consistency of the manuscript during the course of the editing process, ensuring that it is presentable and meets the publishing-industry standards.
Check the paragraph style
Paragraph style is a further important aspect that often tends to be overlooked. Paragraphs ought to be consistent. If you prefer to utilize indented paragraphing, create a template for your document that will automatically indent paragraphs and remove any manual indents or spaces. These initial efforts really pay off in your writing process, as well as making the publisher’s work easier (as they would otherwise work on these features themselves). What is more, they will notice your professionalism and really appreciate it. In case you use the block-paragraph model, every single paragraph needs to be separated by a single line, such as brief lines of dialogue by different characters.
In addition, ensure that you might have not overused special effects in the main body of text in the document. There is no reason for using daring or differently sized fonts within the main text − these should be reserved for headings, if applied at all. Italics in the key text are wonderful for emphasis or for highlighting foreign phrases, but they ought to be applied sparingly for fear of lessening their impact or of distracting the reader.
Lastly, ensure that your manuscript has a black textual content on a white background. Sadly, agents or editors rarely appreciate beautifully colored rainbow-text! Add as much of a sparkle to your phrases and content as you please, but as far as formatting goes, the perfect strategy is always to try and restrain yourself: keep it uniform and straightforward and you will not go wrong!
