I need a little help from those already published or in the know.
With so much information out there about formatting a manuscript, you would think that my file would be closed on this subject. Unfortunately it is not. This is where you come in, I need your help.
My novel will be 80,000 words. I started out with that word target because I was writing an Historical Romance. My characters changed their minds and turned it into an Historical Romance Suspense, Thrillery, Crimey, Thingywatsit. (I do intend to find the genre they want to live in, but that can wait). Anyway, I digress.
My problem is when I was Twittering yesterday, I was sent a link to an article (please read), outlining DOUBLE SPACING sentences. I read it through as I had spent the morning organising my ms for submission preparation, and had double spaced everything. I read the article in front of me and bam! It said SINGLE SPACING is now the accepted practice. Something to do with the French. Pardon moi? Sacre Bleu! Eiffel Tower and croissants!
I used a few French words when I read it, I can tell you, plus a few Greek ones for good measure! Did I read it correctly or misinterpreted it in some way?
I followed Nadine Laman and Holly Lisle's advice from information they have. I found many other format information posts, and they all seem to favour double spacing. I have written in UK English, so will be approaching the UK agents, (unless a US agent wants in on it of course...lol). I have not read there is a difference, maybe you have.
What do I want from you? Please, how do you do yours and is UK and US different?
Double or Single spacing between sentences?
Widows and Orphans On or Off?
I got my page numbers organised by adding page break after each chapter. I could not believe I had so many page 1's and why. (No number on front page...check)
Header with name and title of novel on each page...check
I have set my margins at 1.5" or is that too generous?
I hand it over to you and see what the majority vote is, thanks.
By the way Glynis Smy beat G J Smy in my little poll.
Ripper, My Love by Glynis Smy it is then.
15 Comments:
It seems all agents/publishers have their own way of doing things. My suggestion is to find the websites for those you plan to submit to and follow their guidelines exactly. This means you may have to change the set up for each submission. Good luck!
Thank you Jane. I had read that, but was not 100% sure. You have clarified it for me, thanks.
Double space is the norm, but as Jane said, check with each publisher's guidelines.
That's what I thought, Alex. I wondered if things had changed recently. I will do as you suggest, thanks friend.
Oh lord, I didn't really give this much thought with mine - just did the usual double spacing and 1.5" margins! Didn't have any negative feedback about it so I'm sure you'll be fine :o)
Karen, I was doing fine until I was sent the link. I am feeling much better now I have read the comments.
Thanks for your encouragement.
Hi Glynis!
You'll definitely want to ck guidelines as Jane suggested...but typically, in the US at least, it's going to be double-spaced. The editors just aren't wild about reading single-spaced lines.
If you like, you can shoot me an email off-line about it and I can share what I know and see if it helps.
Glynis, I think you should check out this site: http://romancedivas.com/
The great thing about this site is it has a forum where romance writers from all over the world help each other, answer questions, critique each other and they even have workshops that are great.
There are new writers, published authors, and even editors that belong to this group. They are very friendly and helpful. I've been a member there forever and I love the support they give.
yup, agree with what everyone else said, Glynis. Double-space, but check guidelines. Good luck!
Karen
Elizabeth, thank you so much. I will contact you soon.
Loribeth, thanks for the link, I will take a look.
Karen, thanks for the confirmation.
Thanks to you all for helping me. I was so confused, after thinking I had it all clear in my mind.
Every publisher is different, but I think the norm is Times New Roman, 12 pt, double spaced.
Sounds like you're clear now, anyway!
Thanks Talli, I can always rely on my blogging companions to help me in a time of crisis.
A cupcake with a cherry on top is on its way for you!
Hello from Detroit, Glynis! I've never come across double spacing, including the manuscripts I submitted last week. Then again, it used to be two spaces between sentences, so yes, I'm with those who say check first. Let me know what you find, will you?
Glynis, yes for fiction, double space. You'll be right more often than not with that. 10-12 pt, but I usually used 11pt. I figured I'd split the difference. Times New Romas is usually the way to go. I never did. I use Tahoma and got an agent anyway.
Probably, if there is a difference in America, it is one inch margins all around. The page numbers are to be in the upper right corner. I didn't put mine there.
The reason for the double spacing comes from when print mss were sent out. Often now, it is a digital file. The point was that double spaced lines read faster and left room for note making.
The synopsis is ALWAYS single spaced, third person, one page. Some will accept a two page synopsis, but it isn't "best practice."
The main thing is to write well. Many sins will be forgiven if you knock their socks off with the first line and keep them in your spell to the end.
proof read, proof read, proof read...
Rick,greetings from Cyprus. I will and thanks for visiting today.
Nadine, thanks for your advice. I know you are busy with your publishing activities, so I appreciate you taking the time for me. Big smiles from Cyprus for you.
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