Return to WebDreamer(Top of 1ST PAGE HEADER/LEFT MARGIN)
Legal Name
Street Address
City, State Zip
Telephone Number
E-mail/URL
(Top of 1ST PAGE HEADER/RIGHT MARGIN,same line as Legal Name)
xxxx Words
TITLE (1/3 way down page, centered)
by (centered)
Name (pseudonym if desired,centered)
SHORT STORIES and ARTICLES are presented in this manuscript format. Margins are generous (1" to 1 1/4"). Set your top margin for .5" to accommodate the header and include three returns in the header to create a generous margin between the header and the text. Indent paragraphs 5 spaces. Do not insert extra lines between paragraphs. Text is double-spaced.
Use good paper (20lb.), not erasable, printed on only one side of the paper--no fancy onionskins, etc. Type must be clear and easily readable. On a typewriter that means cleaned letters and a new ribbon. On a computer that means no 9-pin dot matrix-- letter quality print only. Characters should be either 10-pitch or 12-pitch, no fancy fonts, etc. Do not hyphenate words at the end of a sentence (wrap the entire word), do not justify the right margin.
Standard manuscript formats are necessary to ensure that the editor and the typesetter read accurately without undue strain on overworked eyes. Any attempts to be "creative" in this area will mark you as an amateur.
In a recent issue of Tomorrow, Algis Budrys said "nothing publishable ever came out of a #10 envelope". While he admits that is oversimplified, the point is that the manuscript will arrive in better shape in a flat, 9 x 12 envelope. Cute colors, small or odd sizes, etc. distract and hurt your professional image.
Long Works, including novels, share much of the same format requirements. The exceptions are:
1. A title page which includes the same information (name, address, etc.) as the first page of a short story, with the addition of total # pages under the total # of words.
2. Chapter #s replace short story title, and chapter # is also centered in the header. Do not end and begin consecutive chapters on the same page.
3. Page numbering is consecutive -- do not begin page numbering over at beginning of each chapter.
SASE (Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope) must be included in every submission or you will receive no response. It is perfectly acceptable, and cheaper, to include an SASE For Reply Only (#10 envelope) and state in the cover letter that the submission is a copy and need not be returned.
Cover letters should be concise. Try to find articles and/or quotes by editors you intend to contact, but always remember you cannot go too far wrong with a short, well-written business letter. In the absence of concrete information to the contrary, less is best.
THE End (centered)
(2ND & SUBSEQUENT HEADERS LOOK LIKE THIS)
Name Title or Key Word of Title Page 2
(Note--for long works, center "Chapter #" in first line of header)