Does anyone know what the standard margins on a fiction manuscript should be, and what size font should be used?
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12-06-02, 10:07 AM
Minnesota
Kat

There is a great, almost indispensable, book that covers every manuscript topic imaginable. It's by Buchman & Groves and is titled Writer's Digest Guide to Manuscript Formats. It covers everything from a cover letter to a query, to a proposal, to the manuscript itself.

Side margins for manuscripts is 1 to 1 1/2 inches. Wide margins are encouraged because they enhance the appearance of the page and leave ample room for editing notes.

Type size: "10 pitch pica is preferred. Elite is acceptable." John Wiley, my publisher, stipulates 12 point New Times Roman (an excellent type and size). I set my header (line with title/name and pg. #) at 1" from the top and the body of the text at 2.2" from the top. My bottom margin was 1.5".

Again, Kat, I strongly recommend the book above; if nothing else see if your library has it or can get it. It is that good.

I just found that its available used through Amazon.com for a few bucks: See here.

[This message was edited by Minnesota on 12-06-02 at 10:35 AM.]

12-06-02, 11:51 AM
Katanya2000
Thanks Minn! I'll check that book out. I'm sure I'll find it very helpful!

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