Helping Writers Go from Unpublished to Published
Lately, I’ve gotten a lot of manuscripts to edit with incorrect formatting.
Using the standard format for your manuscript for submission to a publisher or freelance editor is important. Do it incorrectly and you immediately tell that publisher you’re an amateur.
Yes, we all start at the beginning, but there’s no need to let the publisher know you’re new at this. You can submit like a pro the first time! [Read more…] about Formatting Your Manuscript for Publisher Submission
Because my kids graduated from school long ago, I no longer know what’s taught in English class—aside from the “cursive writing” controversy. I only know I see a wide variety of grammar and format errors in the manuscripts I edit and proofread.
Many writers incorrectly format numbers, dates, and times, so I thought I’d give you some basic guidelines today. [Read more…] about How to Format Numbers, Dates, and Times in Your Manuscript
With all the manuscripts I edit or proofread I’ve learned many writers don’t know how to create a proper indent to their paragraphs.
While I can’t unequivocally say that publishers prefer writers use the first line indent, I can say you’ll look like a savvy writer if you do.
The first line indent is formatting that removes the need for the TAB KEY at the beginning of every paragraph. It is the formatting the publisher will eventually use in preparing your manuscript for publication. If you self-publish, this indent is a formatting essential.
Here’s how to create the “first line indent.” [Read more…] about How to Create the Smartest Indent for a Manuscript