![]() ![]() Double-spacing further spreads the letters and words out to help readers focus on and follow the lines of text. In fact, Courier New is the font used when therapists help stroke victims relearn how to read. Monospaced fonts are among the easiest to read, regardless of age and vision challenges, with Courier New being the easiest of all. The reason 12 point serif fonts, double-spacing, and other spacing aspects are key to Standard Manuscript Format is readability. It says, “I don’t take this opportunity seriously, nor do I respect the company (magazine, publishing house, etc.) enough to wear my nice shoes and slacks.” Authors should use Standard Manuscript Format to show they are professional and knowledgeable about the publishing industry. Not using SMF is the equivalent of showing up to an interview for a high-level corporate management position in old jeans and flip-flops. By arranging a manuscript in this way, authors are telling the person reviewing their submission they did their homework, and the author is demonstrating knowledge of and respect for the industry standards. The first and arguably most important reason authors should use Standard Manuscript Format is to appear professional. There are three primary reasons all authors should use Standard Manuscript Format whenever possible. The story begins halfway or two thirds down the second page (all new chapters or parts begin this way), and this page should be numbered 1 and have the header. At the bottom, include an approximate word count. The title and any pen name go in the middle of the title page. The upper left corner of this page contains the author’s name, address, phone number, and email. Novels and other long stories should have a title page. The header should be right aligned and contain the author’s last name, the piece’s title, and the page number. The two most common exceptions are the first paragraph of a story and the first paragraph of a new chapter/part or after a scene break. Note: Most paragraphs should be indented. Extra space between paragraphs indicates a scene break, point of view shift, or the passing of time.ġ in margins (again, this is likely your automatic computer setting) The paragraphs should have the same spacing as the lines. Note: There should not be extra space between paragraphs such as in a business letter. However, if you are not a screenwriter, this is seen as old-fashioned.ĭouble-spaced - this is a setting on your computer that puts a space between each line Note: the standard used to be a monospaced serif font where each letter was given the same space on the page like a typewriter. Serif font - this means a font with the feet at the end of each letterthat’s easy to read such as Times New Roman or Courier New Here are the basic requirements for standard manuscript format:Ĩ.5 in x 11 in paper (aka A4 or regular printer paper and the size most document programs automatically set a page to) William Shunn’s website has been the go to example for years. Standard Manuscript Format is the way a text is presented to readers. ![]()
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