True.
Most publishers do not expect an author to know their formatting requirements.
There are certain variables between publishers such as spaces between lines,
font, and indentation, and these are not necessarily the responsibility of the
author.
Most publishers do not expect an author to know their formatting requirements.
There are certain variables between publishers such as spaces between lines,
font, and indentation, and these are not necessarily the responsibility of the
author.
However,
learning how to and implementing the following formatting rules will at least
gain an author a smile from an editor.
learning how to and implementing the following formatting rules will at least
gain an author a smile from an editor.
v
One inch margins all around. This means up,
down, and sideways. More specifically: top, bottom, left and right.
One inch margins all around. This means up,
down, and sideways. More specifically: top, bottom, left and right.
v
Headers that are 0.5” from the top.
Headers that are 0.5” from the top.
v
Manuscripts should be double spaced
Manuscripts should be double spaced
v
Font should be 12 pt and easy to read. An author
is always safe with Times New Roman.
Font should be 12 pt and easy to read. An author
is always safe with Times New Roman.
v
Eliminate all double spaces after end of
sentence punctuation.
Eliminate all double spaces after end of
sentence punctuation.
v
Eliminate all tabs. Use the automatic indent and
set it at 0.5” unless told otherwise.
Eliminate all tabs. Use the automatic indent and
set it at 0.5” unless told otherwise.
v
If unaware of the publisher’s preference, use a
page break at the end of a chapter. Note: some publishers do prefer section
breaks, however, this break can mess with some formatting. Use it only if you
know it is your publisher’s preference.
If unaware of the publisher’s preference, use a
page break at the end of a chapter. Note: some publishers do prefer section
breaks, however, this break can mess with some formatting. Use it only if you
know it is your publisher’s preference.
In addition to
the above, Pelican Book Group utilizes the following formats. While these are
not required, and a manuscript would not be rejected for failure to implement
these, editors are always grateful when such issues are resolved:
the above, Pelican Book Group utilizes the following formats. While these are
not required, and a manuscript would not be rejected for failure to implement
these, editors are always grateful when such issues are resolved:
v
Four asterisk indicate a scene break. These
should be centered. Note: use caution. When a return follows the asterisk,
authors get that mysterious thick dotted line that is near impossible to remove
from the manuscript once it has been saved. To remedy that line (before you
save the document), press Ctrl Z immediately after the line appears, and the asterisk
will return.
Four asterisk indicate a scene break. These
should be centered. Note: use caution. When a return follows the asterisk,
authors get that mysterious thick dotted line that is near impossible to remove
from the manuscript once it has been saved. To remedy that line (before you
save the document), press Ctrl Z immediately after the line appears, and the asterisk
will return.
v
The chapters are entered numerically.
The chapters are entered numerically.
v
The chapter numbers should come four double
spaces from the top of the page with one double space separating the chapter
number from the beginning paragraph.
The chapter numbers should come four double
spaces from the top of the page with one double space separating the chapter
number from the beginning paragraph.
These
simple format changes to a manuscript prior to submission, do provide a look of
professionalism to the manuscript. With those in place, an editor can get right
to the task of reviewing an author’s work.
simple format changes to a manuscript prior to submission, do provide a look of
professionalism to the manuscript. With those in place, an editor can get right
to the task of reviewing an author’s work.
Happy
editing.
editing.
