Often writers believe that when they’ve finished writing their story, it’s ready to be sent out. That could not be any further from the truth. Writing the story is just the beginning. There are many important items that need to be done before an agent, publisher or magazine will even think about looking at your work. Years ago, a writer could send there work as is, and a story editor or line editor would be waiting on the side-lines with red pen in hand. But no longer. Structure, style, formatting, and most importantly grammatical perfection are now the name of the game.
Below is a short bullet proof list of steps to take in regards to sending out your work:
Appearance
When submitting a manuscript for possible publication, you can increase its chances of making a favorable impression by adhering to some fairly standard matters of physical format. Most standards formats are based on common sense, but some formats need to be followed depending on the editor’s taste (Writer’s Market 2007.)
Format for Text Pages
Always double-space your manuscript and use standard paragraph indentations of five spaces. Margins should be about 1 1/2 inches on all sides of each full page of manuscript.
Title Page
Center the title in capital letters one-third of the way down the page. Set your word document to double-space. Type “by” and your name centered one double-space beneath that. After the title and byline, drop down two double-spaces, paragraph indent and begin the body of your manuscript. If you are submitting novel chapters, leave the top one-third of the first page of each chapter blank before typing the chapter title
Headers and Footers
On every page after the first, type your last name, a dash and the page number in either the upper left or right corner. The title of your manuscript may, but need not, be typed on this line or beneath it. Page number two would read: Brooks—2. “Title of Book”
Blessings and happy writing!
SMB
2 comments:
Is registering your project with Writers Guild of America, enough protection to start pitching to the different studios?
LaLa
Many people worry about their story ideas being stolen. One of the ways of protecting your work is when it comes to film and television or even reality television, register it with the Writer's Guild.
Another way which is inexpensive is to mail your idea (an outline, synopsis, etc.) to yourself or a trusted friend. That way you will have an official date on the envelope.
However, there really is no fail safe way to protect your work. Just remember that you can't share your ideas with everyone. Another thing about ideas--if you don't move on them quickly, someone else will come up with it. So the goal is to never sit on your ideas!
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