Whether it's the book of your heart, the Great American Novel, or a contest entry, editors will expect your manuscript to be formatted according to specifications prescribed long ago by publishing houses. Wendy Corsi Staub has written the following instructions for meeting those specifications.

So, dump your fancy font,
forget the customized pink stationery,
follow Wendy's suggestions to the letter,
and you, too, will be treated like a pro!

Proper Manuscript Format
Question: What is standard or proper manuscript format? If I can't use my word processor word count, what is the best way to estimate word count?

Answer from Wendy Corsi Staub:
            (Also uses pseudonyms Wendy Morgan and Wendy Brody)
             Cupid Literary Services
As a published author, literary consultant, and former Silhouette editor, I have learned that it's crucial that writers stick to standard format without exception. Though some editors are more lenient than others, you don't want to risk sending your manuscript to one who will instantly consider you a novice when she sees your italic typeface/pink paper/single-spaced prologue!

Some beginning authors mistakenly believe they'll stand out in the slush pile by deviating from the standard manuscript format. Believe me, they will stand out, but who wants to be the author of the manuscript that's passed around with head-shaking smirks and chuckles at the editorial meeting?

Instead, try to stand out by simply writing an irresistible story!

Always use double-spaced type on 8 1/2" X 11" white paper. A separate title page isn't necessary. On the first page, single space your name, address, and telephone number in the upper left corner. If you have an agent, single space the agent's name, address, and telephone number either in the upper right corner, or beginning a space below your own name.

About a third of the way down the page, type the manuscript's title in capital letters. If you don't yet have a title and you're trying to make a sale (as opposed to being already under contract for the manuscript), come up with one before submitting; editors don't take kindly to untitled manuscripts in the slush pile.

Two lines below the title, type either CHAPTER ONE or PROLOGUE, whichever applies, also in capital letters. Begin your text two lines below that, roughly in the middle of the page.

Each subsequent page should have your last name and a page number at either the upper right or upper left corner, it doesn't matter which. Don't put the title on each page, as the title might change if the book is acquired.

Each new chapter should begin about halfway down the page, just as the first did. If you don't have a laser printer make sure your type is clean and dark. And of course, spell-check and proofread religiously to avoid typos.

Finally, neatly stack the pages with the synopsis on top (those pages should be paper-clipped together as a separate document) and put a rubber band around the whole thing.

Some Common Mistakes:

• Don't begin numbering each new chapter starting with page one.
  
• Don't use fancy typeface, large or small print (12 point type is standard), or ivory or colored paper.
  
• Don't italicize text even though your word processor makes it possible; instead, simply underline words that would appear in italics (editors sometimes choose to remove them in places during line editing because of house style or personal preference, and it's much easier to simply delete the underline than to change already-italicized typeface).
  
• Don't send computer printout paper still attached, accordion style, at the top and bottom of each page; tear the sheets neatly using a ruler.
  
• Don't include a dedication or acknowledgement if your manuscript isn't yet under contract; this can be perceived as pretentious.
  
• Don't put manuscript pages into a binder or staple the synopsis.
  

The best way to estimate word count is to choose three different type-filled pages from the manuscript, and to literally count every word on each page. Average the three totals, which gives you an average per-page word count. Then multiply that number by the total number of pages in the manuscript.

Columnist's Note: Wendy gave an excellent explanation of how to accurately estimate word count. Because computer word counts don't take into account white space (space left on the page due to short sentences, lots of dialogue, etc.) it should not be used for book-length submissions. Additionally, some publishers/editors use another method for guestimating word count.

In the days before computers, when manuscripts were typed on typewriters, Pica type was considered standard. Not only was it easier to read, but each character took up the same width (also known as 10 characters per inch or CPI) and height (12 point). It was fairly easy to come up with word count based on the number of lines per page.

Nowadays, despite objections regarding the unattractiveness of Courier type, the 12 point Courier font is the preferred font according to many editors. This is because, like Pica, it is easy on the eyes and each character takes up the same width (10 characters per inch or 10 CPI) and height (12 point).

A line length should be approximately 65 characters per line (10 words per line) including spaces between words. Depending on your word processing program, this could require margins set from 1 to 1.25 inches left/right margins. With a little experimentation, you'll know what margin setting will produce 65 characters/line on your computer.

Based on 25 lines per page and 10 words per line, this gives an average of 250 words per page. If you have problems setting your pages for exactly 25 lines per page, turn off the widows/orphans option (Wordpad which comes with many computers doesn't have the option to turn off widows/orphans. In this case, try experimenting with returns in your header.).

Based on Courier 12 PT, 10 CPI font, left/right margins set at 1-1.25", 25 lines per page, use the chart below to help guestimate your word count:
20 pages = 5,000 words
40 pages = 10,000 words
50 pages = 12,500 words
100 pages = 25,000 words
200 pages = 50,000 words
225 pages = 56,250 words
250 pages = 62,500 words
300 pages = 75,000 words
350 pages = 87,500 words
400 pages = 100,000 words
480 pages = 120,000 words
500 pages = 125,000 words