What is the correct format to submit a book for publishing?

Question

Like, what is the correst spacing, font, size, length...

Answer 1

You have to go to the publisher's website and read their submission guidelines. Then you submit exactly what they ask for. Generally that will be a query letter and a synopsis of a pre-determined length. Follow guidelines to the letter if you wish to not to end up in the slush pile waiting for a form rejection letter.

If a publisher should express interest, the will send you a letter requesting a full or partial manuscript and a book proposal. The book proposal is the most important document you will ever write. It is your selling tool. It is what an editor at a publishing house will take to their selection meetings when they go over potential books they may buy. Your book proposal will make or break you.

Here is a site showing manuscript format.

http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~mslee/format.html

I highly recommend you purchase a book on book proposals. One is Write The Perfect Book Proposal - 10 That Sold and Why by Jeff Herman and Deborah Levine Herman. You will need to really learn how to write one, as well as a great query letter and synopsis. They are actually more important than your manuscript.

Pax - C

Answer 2

I suppose it depends on the publishing house. Indie publishers may have different requirements than big publishers. You should be able to get requirements on their websites. Probably 12 point font, Times New Roman, double spaced. No cutesy fonts or fluffy cover pages or extensive credits from your personal life. Also beware that many may not take unsolicited manuscripts without agent representation.

Answer 3

Another excellent source for manuscript format:

http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/dec98/shunn.htm

Be mindful that fiction writers don't submit proposals--although the synopsis is just as important and just as difficult.

Answer 4

Persiphone_hellecat's done it again, take the link to that website.

Also send a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope (a.k.a. SASE)so they can reply.