I know this is random, but the truth is, I have all these posts from another blog that I shut down exclusively about writing…and I HATE waste, so Saturdays for the next thirteen or so weeks will be devoted to writing. If it’s weird, just ignore me, K?
Most writers really put a lot of WORRY into manuscript format, so let’s just take care of that first.
- Use regular paper in a regular 12pt font , like Times.
- Put your title about halfway down the first page, centered.
- Put your name below that.
- About 3/4 of the way down, start your text, double spaced, regular margins.
- On the top left or right of each following page, put your name, the manuscript name, and the page number. Something like this: Caswell/FIRST BALLET/2
- If you’re doing poetry and want to show stanza changes, put in an extra space.
Don’t obsess! Any editor that will toss your ms out because you used 1.25 margins instead of 1.0, or put your name in all caps instead of just the first letter is NOBODY you want to work with. EVER.
Ivory
I’m looking forward to this series! I’m going to be working on something this next year…so this timing is perfect.
Thank you I’ll look forward to reading these. Hopefully ideas for my book will develop by reading your posts. you sold me on goats–we have 4 babies on order for spring (have to wait till big snows are over so we can finish fencing)
thanks and have a great rest of the weekend. (I have to shovel)
Note to writers:
This may be a bit unrelated – but I feel the need to vent. Please check your spelling and usage! Even some of the most popular blogs are riddled with your (when they should use you’re), and other issues. Just a few posts ago on another blog I saw pallet when it should have been palette. If you are taking the trouble to put words down, in hopes someone will read them – take the time to make them correct!