Industry Standard Manuscript Formatting

By Mary Kole

Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.

Writing a novel or memoir manuscript draft takes an immense amount of time, creativity, writing skills, and effort. The last thing you want is to have all of that hard work go to waste because of poor manuscript formatting. If you're an aspiring writer looking to impress a literary agent or traditional publisher, then you need to make sure your manuscript looks as polished and professional as possible. In this guide to manuscript formatting, I’ll go over everything you need to know to ensure your manuscript stands out from the rest in the slush pile. From industry standard formatting to common mistakes writers make, I’ve got you covered.

Industry Standard Manuscript Formatting

The first thing you need to know about manuscript formatting is the industry standard guidelines. This applies to both fiction and non-fiction. For the U.S. market, you should adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Use 8.5” x 11” white paper with 1” margins on top, bottom, left, and right

  • Use a standard font like Times New Roman or Courier New in 12-point size

  • Double space your manuscript (though you can single-space the query letter and synopsis)

  • Use black ink only

  • Number each page in the footer at the bottom right corner (except the title page)

  • Include your name, address, email, phone number, and word count on the first page

  • Use chapter headings at the top of a new page after a page break

  • Indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches

Aside from industry standard formatting, there are other elements that are essential to keep in mind in manuscript formatting. These elements are crucial in making sure your manuscript is easy to read and understand. Here are a few to consider:

  • Proper dialogue formatting

  • Consistent scene and chapter breaks

  • Proper formatting of quotes, italics, and other special text, including interiority

  • Use of a consistent point of view, though this is a writing craft issue

  • Paragraph breaks to put some white space on the page

Common Manuscript Formatting Mistakes

Even the most experienced writers make mistakes when formatting their manuscript. These common mistakes often go unnoticed, but can still significantly affect the quality of the manuscript and the read it gets from manuscript gatekeepers. Here are some of the most common formatting mistakes writers make:

  • Inconsistent chapter headings

  • Lack of paragraph breaks

  • Incorrect formatting for dialogue

  • Inconsistent formatting of special text

  • Incorrect formatting for quotes or citations (if applicable)

  • Sloppiness and lack of proofreading overall, which you should take care of before submission

With the rise of digital submissions, more and more agents and publishers are accepting manuscripts via email or online form. This can make it harder to maintain proper formatting. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Use a plain text editor to avoid formatting issues

  • Check the submission guidelines for specific formatting instructions, but don’t sweat it if your beautiful manuscript format doesn’t translate

  • Avoid using special characters or fonts

  • Avoid sending attachments unless they have been explicitly requested

Proper diligence, discipline, and attention to detail can make all the difference when it comes to making your manuscript formatting look professional. Follow these guidelines to ensure that your manuscript is formatted correctly, and keep these tips in mind when submitting your work online. Remember, as an aspiring writer, you want to stand out from the crowd. By taking care to format your manuscript correctly, you'll be taking an important step towards achieving your writing dreams.

Click here to purchase Writing Irresistible Kidlit, my book on fiction craft for MG and YA novels, out from Writer's Digest Books. This will show you my writing craft philosophy and give you lots of valuable advice, including tips for the novel revision process and self-editing. There are over 35 example novels cited and discussed throughout. It’s a valuable resource for any writer’s toolkit.

Click here to purchase Successful Query Letters, my book on query letters, including over forty examples with comprehensive notes on each one. There’s a ton of submission advice, best practices, and insider information in these pages, and you’ll really enjoy seeing what other writers are doing in the slush.