This post originally appeared on the Wild Hunt Books blog.

You wouldn’t expect it, but more often than not, I receive manuscripts that are so strangely formatted that they are just about unreadable. And if that’s the case with yours, it’s a disservice to all the hard work and passion you’ve put into your book. It’s easy to format your manuscript to industry-standard (and don’t think that being kooky with your font choices or adding pictures will grab the attention of an editor; it won’t or it will for the wrong reasons).

Go ahead and write your drafts however way you like! But when you’ve finalise edits and are ready to send it off for publishing or agenting consideration, it’s best to follow these guidelines:

• Easy-to-read type: I prefer Times New Roman, but Arial and Calibri are acceptable.
• 12-point font
• Double spacing
• Aligned left
• Black text
• Standard margins (1 inch for letter; 2.54 cm for A4)
• Indent the first line of every new paragraph with the exception of new chapters and sections.
• Start a new chapter on a new page (page break).
• Page numbers in the footer or header in the typescript.
• Put your surname and title in the header (aligned right).
• Include a contact page at the beginning (your title in large size font, your name and contact info including your email address, and your rounded word count, note: postal addresses and phone numbers are not required anymore; your email address is key)
• Title your file(s) with the book’s name and identifying info. For example, MobyDick-synopsis.doc, MobyDick-3chapters.doc, MobyDick-50pages.pdf, etc. The idea is that the files should be easily found by the editor or agent or agent’s assistant who receives many manuscripts a week for consideration.
• Send your files as either Word Doc or PDF (an editor or agent will clarify, but these are the 2 that most will accept; please don’t send Pages).

I’ve been an editor for more than ten years and I still receive typescripts presented in strange and hard to read fonts. Also, please don’t include an acknowledgement, dedication, photos or other images (there might be a good reason to include author notes so consider that when formatting). A lot of writers send along illustrations or AI generated images; as a publisher I decide on the book packaging and design, so these are usually not necessary.

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