Book manuscript format7/29/2023 ![]() I hold down shift while pasting: shift+control+V It’s always a good idea to strip the formatting for blog posts or emails, either by putting it into a text-only program like Notepad or TextEdit or by choosing “use destination formatting” while pasting. Word uses a bunch of formatting that doesn’t always translate to web use, like italics, non-breaking spaces, space after paragraphs, double-spaced lines, and centered text. Before you submit to agents, revise one last time in a typeface from a different family-you’ll be surprised how many things you catch when the words aren’t always in the same position on the page! Submit to agents using 12 pt TNR, double-spaced, unless they’ve stated differently in their agency guidelines. Revise in something legible: a serif, a monospaced slab (like Courier), even a sans-serif (like Arial). You could type in Webdings if it will help you from revising while getting out your first draft. Write in whatever font you darn well please. Courier is also not easy to read on e-readers. They aren’t going to reject you because of your font, but they will switch it to something else, likely Times. However, some agents passionately hate Courier. I also know that I’m in “editing mode” whenever I’m reading Courier. My eyes are used to it, and it feels natural. ![]() I prefer Courier while editing because it gives the most white space. It has serifs (though it’s technically a slab serif), and it’s available on any device or browser. Times New Roman is easily changed into the typeface and size of their preference.Ĭourier has been a standard since the days of snail-mail manuscript mailing because, as a monospaced font, it yields approximately the same number of words per page. Many agents now read requested partials and fulls on Kindles or tablets. TNR is very easy to read or change on e-reading devices.Yes, most agents will have Cambria on their computers, but Mac users might not, and it’s still not considered a web-safe font. It switches for them.” But every time I get a manuscript in Cambria (the current default typeface for Word), I get a little pop-up that says “An Error Occurred” that I have to acknowledge and close. If you use any other font, there’s a definite chance that your recipient’s device won’t have the font and will switch it to TNR. There are only two serif typefaces available on any browser or device: Times New Roman and Georgia. It’s available on any device or browser.It’s a serif font. Publishers prefer serif fonts, and that preference has carried over to literary agents.It’s been the standard since TNR was the default typeface installed on home computers. I polled 20 agents, and all of them accept TNR.But here’s why you should use Times New Roman for standard manuscript formatting: Personally, as a typesetter, reader, and graphic designer, I loathe Times New Roman. Still, after asking dozens of literary agents about their preferences, I urge you to choose Times New Roman. ![]() ![]() The size 12 font and double spacing is non-negotiable. The choice of font for your manuscript is one that’s been made for you. Receiving an Offer of Representation Choosing a Font
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