I received submissions formatted every whichaway, and that's okay. Writers should use whatever formatting--font, spacing, page size, whatever--they like best for working onscreen. But when it comes to submitting to agents and publishers, they have certain expectations, if not requirements.
One of the things they frequently require is 12-point type, and a serif font is generally preferred. A serif font is like the one on this page. Sans serif is like the Ariel font that is so common, like this.
I recommend using Times New Roman, although there are many others that are acceptable. The simple reason why is that it is a narrow font, designed for narrow newspaper columns, and that means you'll get more of your precious words on a page. If an agent only gives a page or two a scan before accepting or rejecting, it's a plus to have as much narrative on those pages as possible.
In Word 2010, the one I use, there's a "ribbon" at the top with tabs. In the Home tab you can set the font for your document. The dialogue box should look like this:
Paragraphs and spacing:
Double spacing between lines is the standard for editors and agents. Other industry expectations include a 1/2-inch indentation for the first line of each paragraph. That can be done with the tab key, but it's better to build it in to your paragraph format, and that reduces the number of key strokes. When I design a book one of the first things I often have to do is remove all the tabs. I should include that the standard page size is "letter," in the US that's 8.5" x 11".
I see a lot of writers who use no paragraph indents and put extra spaces between paragraphs as well. While that's typical formatting for email text and web pages, it's not best practice for manuscript submission. Indented paragraphs with no extra space between is the standard.
To set your paragraph style, click on the little arrow in the paragraph section in the Home tab:
You'll get a dialogue box. Here are the settings for manuscript formatting.
Now all you have to do is write a hulluva story.
For what it's worth,
Ray
© 2015 Ray Rhamey
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