In the highly competitive world of New York publishing, making a strong first impression is paramount. While the content of your manuscript is undoubtedly king, its presentation plays a crucial role in how it’s perceived by literary agents and editors. A professionally formatted manuscript signals that you are a serious author who understands industry standards, saving busy professionals time and making your work easier to read. Deviating from these norms can, unfortunately, lead to your manuscript being dismissed prematurely.
The Standard Manuscript Format: A Universal Language
The hybrid publishing companies, particularly in New York, adheres to a largely standardized manuscript format. This isn’t about artistic flair; it’s about readability and efficiency. Think of it as a universal language that allows agents and editors to focus solely on your story or argument, rather than being distracted by unconventional presentation.
Here are the key elements of standard manuscript formatting:
Paper and Margins
- Paper Size: Always use standard 8.5 x 11-inch paper size (or equivalent digital document settings).
- Margins: Set all margins (top, bottom, left, right) to 1 inch. This provides ample white space for notes and makes the text less cramped.
Font and Spacing
- Font: Use a clear, readable serif font. The industry standard is 12-point Times New Roman or Courier New. While other serif fonts like Garamond or Georgia might be acceptable, stick to the classics to be safe. Avoid decorative or sans-serif fonts unless specifically instructed.
- Line Spacing: The entire manuscript should be double-spaced. This includes everything: body text, chapter titles, scene breaks, and even the title page. Double-spacing leaves room for editors’ marks and makes the text easier to read quickly.
- Paragraph Indentation: Indent the first line of each new paragraph by 0.5 inches. Do not use an extra line space between paragraphs.
Page Numbering and Header
- Header: Include a running header on every page (except sometimes the title page) in the upper right-hand corner. This header should typically contain your last name, a short title (or keyword from the title), and the page number. For example:
Smith / My Great Novel / 1 book launches. - Page Numbers: Ensure page numbers are consecutive throughout the entire manuscript.
Title Page
The title page is your book’s professional calling card. It should be simple and informative:
- Top Left: Your legal name, address, phone number, and email address.
- Top Right: Word count (rounded to the nearest thousand, e.g., “Approx. 85,000 words”).
- Center: The full title of your manuscript, followed by your name (or pen name if applicable) as you wish it to appear on the book.
- Bottom Center: For fiction, indicate the genre (e.g., “A Novel”). For nonfiction, indicate the category (e.g., “Nonfiction: History”).
Chapter and Scene Breaks
- Chapter Titles: Start each new chapter on a new page, with the chapter number and title (e.g.,
CHAPTER 1orChapter One: The Beginning) centered and several lines down from the top. - Scene Breaks: Indicate a scene break within a chapter with a single centered asterisk (
*) or three centered asterisks (***) on a line by themselves. Do not use extra line breaks before or after.
Submitting Your Manuscript
- Digital Submission: Almost all submissions to New York agents and publishers are now digital, typically as a
.docor.docxfile. Always follow the specific submission guidelines provided by the agent or publisher. - File Naming: Name your file professionally, usually
[YourLastName]_[ManuscriptTitle].doc.
Why Adherence is Crucial
Following these guidelines demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail. It shows that you respect the time of the industry professionals reviewing your work. A poorly formatted manuscript can be perceived as amateurish, distracting from your actual writing, and even lead to it being overlooked. While it might seem tedious, proper formatting is a fundamental step in presenting your work in the best possible light to the gatekeepers of New York publishing.
