How to Format a Manuscript

When you first decide to write a book, your focus is probably on the story you want to tell—not formatting. However, properly formatting your manuscript is important. Whether you’re interested in self-publishing or traditional publishing, you want to set up your document before you begin drafting. Check out how to correctly format your manuscript. 

Set Your Margins & Spacing 

Margins should be set to 1 inch on all four sides. This is typically the default setting, but you should check before you start writing. In Microsoft Word, you can format your margins in the Layout tab. When setting up your document, you’ll also need to adjust the spacing. Manuscripts should be double spaced with no extra space between paragraphs. Make sure to only use one space after a period. 

Set up Your Text Alignment & Font 

Your text should be left aligned. This setting can be changed in the Home tab, in the paragraph section. You’ll also want to make sure you choose the right font. The industry standard is Times New Roman, but some agents or publishers may have their preferred font. Make sure to check these preferences before submitting. Set your size to 12 and the color to black.

Indent New Paragraphs

New paragraphs need to be indented ½ inch. While pressing the tab key can work, there is an easier way to set this up. On the Home tab, click the arrow in the paragraph section to open the paragraph settings. In the indentation section, click the dropdown menu for special indentations and choose first line. As you’re drafting, you won’t have to worry about remembering to indent. 

Header

You’ll want to create a header for your manuscript. Headers should be placed in the top, right corner of the page. Include your last name, the title of the manuscript or a word to describe the manuscript, and the page number. For example, our header could be Lyons, Sorrow, 1. Page numbers begin after the title page. Roman numerals are used for any pages before this one. 

Chapters

When you start a new chapter, you need to start a new page. Using the page break feature, found on the Insert tab, can help you with this. Chapters can be written several ways, but the key is to be consistent. The most common way to write chapter headings include Chapter One or Chapter 1. Place the chapter heading about a third of the way down the page. If your book has chapter titles, they will be typed one line beneath your chapter heading. 

Scene Breaks & the Ending 

Scene breaks are used when shifting to a new scene or a new character in the middle of the chapter. It’s important to alert the reader to this change. You can do this several ways. Some writers prefer to use a solid black line and others like to use a symbol. Asterisks and hashtags are typical symbols used. If you’re submitting your manuscript for review, it can be helpful to acknowledge the end of the book. Simply type END after the last line of the novel and center the text. 

When it comes to writing, formatting isn’t the most exciting thing to do. However, it’s important that you take the time to set up your document before you begin drafting. A little bit of work upfront will save you the trouble of having to adjust things later on.