Novel writing question?

Question

I am writing a novel you could say. And I have the story worked out pretty much, and I know the genre. But here is the thing.

How should it look while I write it?
should my manuscript look single spaces, doubled, with the page numbers or whatever?
also, can a manuscript be arranged to fit a single page, or whatever?

how should the chapters be separated?

of course I might think of submitting it for publishing. how should I submit it? should I submit only a portion of it, or should I wait until it is finished?

thanks, and 10 points to the winner.

Answer 1

Except for the double spacing of lines, I usually write my stories formatting them with the standard five-character indentation of each paragraph--except for the very first one--and number each page at the top right corner. In paging I use the "header" format found in MS Word, following the guidelines in standard formatting.

Format your story by using "Format, paragraph," etc., don't do it manually.

Consider finding Cynthia Laufenberg's, "Formatting & Submitting Your Manuscript." Inside are great tools for submissions.

I find a guideline of starting new chapters after every five pages of single-space sentences. That isn't a strict rule, but base it on when a chapter should end and a new one should begin.

Upon completion, edit your manuscript several times--even to the point of hiring someone to go through it too. Always send a query letter first to a literary agent that might accept your genre. Don't automatically send the first three chapters unless their website allows such.

I always recommend using Times New Roman at size 12 point. Most agencies prefer that.

Answer 2

Guidelines vary from publisher to publisher. Still, some consistency exists in the industry such as using 12 point font and text type of either New Times Roman or Helvetica.

Manuscript submission can happen at any time during the process: several or once. In order to obtain specific guidelines either search on the web for the publishing company's requirements or write to them requesting information on submission of manuscripts.

Your manuscript should be double-spaced (between paragraphs; I'm not sure about sentences though). This makes the editing process easier. In that case, I would conclude between sentences as well.

Too, you should consult a reference to learn to develop an effective query letter. You can find this info. easily enough on the net. This will be a requirement of any publisher with which you contract and is your chance to promote and sell them on your book.

Pages must be numbered but do not staple them together.

As far as the chapters: typing them separately is probably best, but you should contact the publisher if possible for specifics. Another suggestion is when you send your query to send a synopsis and the first couple of chapters noting these concerns. In this way, the publisher can clarify those questions if they are interested.

Hope this helps. Good luck and God bless.

Answer 3

Okay, here's the deal.

The manuscript is not worth worrying about till you don't finish writing and editing it yourself. Read the entire book to see if you enjoy it.

Now to answer your specific questions, every chapter should start from a new page and preferably from the middle ofthe page. If you use a small font then use double spacing. Never staple the manuscript and always number the pages.

Do as much as you can to make it attractive.

Answer 4

Your manuscript needs to be double spaced and in readable fonts. Times New Roman is nice.
You need some one to EDIT the MS for basic grammar and English. Do not depend on spell check or grammar check.
You submit 3 sample chapters and a synopsis to an AGENT. Do NOT send unsolisited manuscripts to publishing houses. They throw them out un-read.

You might try going with a small press. They are a little more flexible but be careful what you sign. Have a paralegal go over whatever contract you come up with.

Answer 5

When you write the first draft of a novel you don't really have to worry what it look like just write with what's most comfortable for you. This is only your first draft and will needs lots of editing before anyone can see it.
The chapters can be separated however you see fit. It should work with the flow of the novel. I prefer to have my chapters end with something exciting but you don't have to.
As for publishing NEVER submit your novel until they ask you. If you do they won't even look at it. You start with writing a query letter (you can look up the exact format for these online and there is a way you have to do it) Then go from there. You should wait to start querying tell you have finished and done at least one round of revisions.

Answer 6

Don't worry too much about format. Do make it double-spaced. Page numbers are good, but those are easy to add later. Give the chapters numbers at least, and titles if you want.

As it is your first book, you need to finish it before you try to sell it. Submit it to agents who handle the type of book you are writing. If one of them likes it, they will try to find a publisher for you.

Good luck.

Answer 7

If you're considering publication, contact the publisher you're interested in to determine what formatting guidelines you need to follow. If it's a novel, I don't think you need to follow specific guidelines about chapters. Use your creative judgment to figure that one out.

Just as a start, I'd double space it and add page numbers. This will make copyediting your manuscript easier for you (or for your copyeditor, if you hire one).

Answer 8

it looks better (is a novel) single lined and yes use numbers (at the bottom perferably) at the end of one chapter you should leav it hanging (not at the end EVEYONE, just half of them) and even if you are at the beginning of a page, turn to the next page and then start the next one. and give them nubers and titles, so the reader have a little bit of an idea of mite be coming next.

and also you should draw some sample pictures for your publisher to use!

wait till u finish it and if you wanna publish it online go to www.lulu.com thats where i publish my books or novels. and i have published 36.
just follow this and you should get your book at barnes & noble or books•a•million
(i have seen some of mine there)

chel-c :-)

Answer 9

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Answer 10

Doesn't matter. You'll be reformatting it when you go to submit it anyway.