Good novels don't just spring into existence. The average writer works for months or even years on a book that may or may not be published. Don't sabotage a chance to make a good first impression by ignoring acceptable manuscript format.
How a Manuscript Should Look
The most obvious error made by a novice writer has to do with how the book looks on the page. Nothing cries "novice" more than a manuscript that doesn't follow acceptable format.
Always Double Space: Although it is reasonable to want to save ink and paper when printing drafts, especially for poor, starving artists, always double space from the beginning. It's extremely difficult to write comments, add info, or revise when there's no space to do so on the page. Also, an agent will not read a single spaced manuscript.
Indent Paragraphs: It's hard to imagine, but there are many young writers who fail to follow this basic rule from Composition One. Indent all new paragraphs.
Use Sensible Fonts: Steer clear of fancy or unusual sized fonts. No one wants to read an entire manuscript that looks like Sanskrit. Even italics should be used very sparingly. Use a straight-forward font such as New Times Roman. In addition, your manuscript won't look any better in 16 font, and it will be impossible to read in 8. Use the acceptable 12 point font.
Numbering Pages: Every manuscript should have page numbers in case the papers get dropped or rearranged. Don't put them at the center bottom. Page numbers belong as a header at the top right corner of each page except the first. Acceptable format is to include the name of the book (or part of it) with the page number, such as "America" 151. Some writers use their last name instead of the title.
Make a Good First Impression With a Manuscript
Young writers naturally want to be noticed, but delivering an odd looking manuscript is not the way to do it. By all means, avoid these errors when sending out a manuscript.
Colored Paper and Ink: The only acceptable paper to use is standard white typing paper. Never use colored, parchment, printed or heavy cotton paper. Imagine opening a package and finding a ream of pale pink paper. In addition, the manuscript may have been printed with blue, green or red ink. It absolutely screams beginner. If the writer uses such paper and ink, an agent will automatically assume the writing will be amateurish, also, and he simply won't read it. White paper-black ink.
Along with avoiding fancy paper, don't ever print a picture of a cute little cherub, kitten or puppy at the top of the page. Don't monogram your name in an attempt to show culture. Although this may seem too boring, keep it simple and professional.
Binding Manuscripts: Never, ever have a manuscript bound in any way. This means professionally or merely punching holes in the side and putting it in a three ring binder. Never staple anything. The only way to deliver a manuscript is loose leaf in a manuscript box. If necessary, a note can be paper clipped to a manuscript, but that's it.
If someone has requested the first chapter, or first 100 pages, it is acceptable to place the loose papers in a two sided folder.
Avoid Odd Odors and Fragrances When Printing a Manuscript
Paper does absorb odors very well, so any writer would be well advised to keep odors from permeating the pages. Little could be worse than a busy agent opening a manuscript box and being assailed with the scent of perfume or cigarette smoke, especially if he were allergic to either.
Never spray a signature cologne or perfume on the pages to make it memorable. It does not make a good impression, and it marks the writer as an amateur.
If the writer is a smoker and smokes in the home or car, cigarette smoke will permeate the paper. Print the manuscript in a smoke-free area of the home. While driving the paper home from the store, put it in the trunk rather than in the car itself. The same is true of driving the package to the post office. Keep it in the trunk. The key is to store, use, and deliver the paper as free of the scent of smoke as possible.
The Goal of a Manuscript
In order to be published, the manuscript must be read by agents, publishers and editors. The goal of the writer is to get that manuscript read. By following the accepted standards of manuscript format, a writer increases his chances dramatically.
A professional presentation is one of the hallmarks of a serious writer. Anyone unsure of the process should invest in one of the many books available that lay out manuscript format step by step. It will be well worth the money spent if that manuscript makes it to the book shelf.
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