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Topic: Is this the right format for a manuscript? (Read 43 times)

zoe1
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Is this the right format for a manuscript?
« Thread Started on Oct 12, 2009, 9:55am »

I have attached it. It is just an example.Should this what the first page look like when submitting? I have written it in courier new 12. I don't have a ruler down the side so that makes it harder of where a third of the way down the page is ie. when I start to type my text.

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Sherry
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Re: Is this the right format for a manuscript?
« Reply #1 on Oct 12, 2009, 9:28pm »

I had some difficulty getting the attached file to open, but finally got it. From what I can tell, your formatting is fine. But, did you intend for what is presumably the first sentence of the manuscript to appear on the title page?

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zoe1
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Re: Is this the right format for a manuscript?
« Reply #2 on Oct 13, 2009, 1:56am »

I thought that the first sentance should be on the title page or should it be on the next page all together?

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Sherry
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Re: Is this the right format for a manuscript?
« Reply #3 on Oct 13, 2009, 7:02am »

Oct 13, 2009, 1:56am, zoe1 wrote:

I thought that the first sentance should be on the title page or should it be on the next page all together?

The title page should contain only the title, author's name (or pen name), and your personal information. If you have a "dedication" or foreword, that goes on the next page. Then, the text of your manuscript begins on the following page.

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Re: Is this the right format for a manuscript?
« Reply #4 on Oct 13, 2009, 10:56am »

I am glad that it wasn't just me that couldn't get this document to cooperate... I thought I was doing something wrong.

Thanks for the info Sherry, I thought you would be the one who would know for definite

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zoe1
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Re: Is this the right format for a manuscript?
« Reply #5 on Oct 14, 2009, 7:38am »

Ok So what does you personal info include. Your address and contact number and e-mail copyright etc?How far down the first page ( how many times do you hit the return button?) do you put the title? Word count should that be on the title page and where? On the dedication page how should that look? On the manuscript itself, paging the numbers where should they go bootom centered or bottom right? and Your name and title on every page, should that be on the top right ie. Power/Imogen. And does apply to all children's stories?

Sorry I am asking lots of qs but once I have sorted out this I can do a proper manuscript for when thst story goes out to submission.

Almost forgot indents on paragraphs. How many times should I hit the tab button to get it correct?

I have read all the info on submitting and formating it just sounds to complicated.

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Sherry
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Re: Is this the right format for a manuscript?
« Reply #6 on Oct 14, 2009, 11:12am »

Oct 14, 2009, 7:38am, zoe1 wrote:

Ok So what does you personal info include. Your address and contact number and e-mail copyright etc?

In the top left-hand corner, type your full name, address, telephone number(s), and e-mail or other contact info. Don't refer to copyright at all; it's implicit.

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How far down the first page ( how many times do you hit the return button?) do you put the title? Word count should that be on the title page and where?

There is no hard and fast rule that I'm aware of. I place mine in the approximate center of the page. Whatever looks pleasing to the eye, go for it. Do not refer to word count anywhere except in your query letter.

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On the dedication page how should that look?

Depends on how long it is. If it's just a few words, you'd probably want to scroll down a few lines from the top. If it's a few paragraphs, start at the top line and continue 'til you're done.

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On the manuscript itself, paging the numbers where should they go bootom centered or bottom right? and Your name and title on every page, should that be on the top right ie. Power/Imogen. And does apply to all children's stories?

Every publisher has its own guidelines, but the standard is top of the page. Many, if not most, publishers, require that it look something like this:

(from left margin)NAME OF MY BOOK Zoe - 1(toward right margin)

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Almost forgot indents on paragraphs. How many times should I hit the tab button to get it correct?

I have read all the info on submitting and formating it just sounds to complicated.

Unless you have some weird word processing program or are submitting to a weird publisher, one tab (5 spaces) is correct. The formatting really isn't too complicated as long as you remember to just "keep it simple."

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