Firlefanz
Lady of the Land
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Manuscript Format
This is technically not a topic for this forum, but I still wanted to bring it up.
How do you format your manuscripts? Do you look at submissions even while writing? Do you even care, or do you set it up to please your eye?
*is curious*
--- - Firlefanz
Reading: "Seide und Schwert" by Kai Mayer
Writing: Rewrite of the Unicorn Girl YA novel
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9/12/2006, 1:38 pm
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David Meadows
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Re: Manuscript Format
I set it up so it is easy for me to read and work with -- and that depends on how I feel at the time. I don't really have a standard preferred format.
I can reformat it to any specific set of guidelines with about six mouse clicks, so there's no need to worry about that in advance.
Last edited by David Meadows, 9/12/2006, 2:32 pm
--- This week's review: Angela Gordon, 7/9/06 |
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9/12/2006, 2:32 pm
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naca
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Re: Manuscript Format
I set my manuscript in advanced to the "proper" standards. That way I won't have to worry later on. I have run into a problem on a critique board where people asked me why I had two lines at the end of some of the pages (because you're not supposed to have paragraphs on more than one page), but that's the only problem i've run into.
I actually prefer to have it set up ahead of time. I think it looks better for my eye. I also like courier font so it works for me.
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Currently Writing: Daughter of Rage (YA fantasy)
Currently Reading: Winter's Heart by Robert Jordan
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9/12/2006, 6:36 pm
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Firlefanz
Lady of the Land
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Re: Manuscript Format
I'm going to revive this topic, because I just saw a gripe about manuscript format by a writer and editor.
A PSA of Sorts: Formatting Weirdness
And just so you know what she's talking about, here's the ultimate page on manuscript format. Yes, it still is valid.
William Shunn - Manuscript Format
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9/28/2009, 3:21 pm
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tryingtowrite
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Re: Manuscript Format
Hmm, interesting. I think I read somewhere about double spacing between paragraphs, but can't remember where.
I format for myself. Most of the time I write with the page in print mode, it's easier on my eyes somehow.
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I'd procrastinate now, but it would be easier tomorrow.
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9/28/2009, 11:39 pm
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Reythia
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Re: Manuscript Format
I remember once reviewing a guy's work who was aiming for publication. (In my opinion, the story wasn't even CLOSE to good enough for that, but that's a separate issue.) What's relevant is that he used some form of manuscript formatting -- and it was the most obnoxious thing I've ever read on a computer!
I was reading over the formatting standards by Shunn that Firle posted and I can see how most of them are really, really practical... when you're printing the manuscript out. Unfortunately, if you're handing it to an informal reader who'll look at it on the computer, all the double-spacing and courier font just makes it harder to read. At least in my opinion. The guy I was dealing with also insisted on putting some parts in capital letters (I don't recall exactly what the rationale was) and starting each page with a brand new paragraph (regardless of how much space he left at the bottom of the previous page). VERY annoying. So I suspect most of my irritation with manuscript formatting comes from having to read his.
Anyhow, point is, while I can respect that when submitting to a publisher/editor you might need to use any number of obscure standards, when handing off to a buddy to check over, PLEASE just use normal typing!
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9/30/2009, 4:01 pm
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Firlefanz
Lady of the Land
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Re: Manuscript Format
I've actually gotten used to Courier New - When did that happen? ARGH! - because I use that as template for my English language short stories.
Capital letters and new paragraphs? That doesn't sound right. However, you're right, that traditional manuscript format is made to be printed and read on a desk. That's what many editors still do. And that's why they still want underlined words for emphasis rather than cursive. (I hate that.)
Webzines tend to have different guidelines, often specifying fonts and spacing. They still want as little formatting as possible in paragraphs and such because it makes reformatting much easier, not to mention conversion to html.
Basically, it boils down to checking guidelines and following them. Even so, Courier New 12pt, double space still is "traditional manuscript format". I suppose that will only change when the old editors die out.
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9/30/2009, 7:15 pm
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