Before you dive into formatting your manuscript, do this: pull a novel or two from your bookshelf and flick through the pages.
Notice how each chapter begins.
Observe the headers, margins, and page numbers.
These design elements might seem small, but they contribute to a professional, reader-friendly experience – and proofreaders and editors (like me!) will thank you for it.
Formatting isn’t just about aesthetics; it ensures clarity for agents, publishers, and readers. The following tips walk you through the essentials of formatting your novel in Microsoft Word, with a free downloadable checklist to help you get it right.
Basic Setup
Start with a clean, industry-standard layout:
Font & Size: Use a readable font like Times New Roman or Arial, 12-point.
Margins: Set all margins to 1 inch (2.54 cm).
Line Spacing: Use double line spacing for easy readability.
Alignment: Left-align your text. Avoid full justification as it can distort spacing.
Paragraphs: Indent the first line by 0.5 inches (1.27 cm). However, the opening paragraph of each chapter, and the paragraph following a scene break, should be flush with the margin (see my example).
Don’t add extra line breaks between paragraphs unless you’re indicating a scene break.
Title Page
Your title page should look professional but simple:
- Centre your book title about halfway down the page.
- Place your name (or pen name) just below the title.
- Add your contact details in the top-left corner.
- Include an approximate word count in the top-right, rounded to the nearest thousand.
Keep this page clean: no headers, footers, or page numbers.
Page Numbers
Page numbers are a must, especially when submitting to agents or editors.
- Placement: Top-right corner of each page.
- Start from: The first page of your story (not the title page or any front matter).
- Style: Use Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3…).
- Consistency: Make sure every page – chapter openings included – has a number.
Headers
Headers help identify your manuscript if printed pages are separated.
- Content: Include your surname, a short version of your title, and the page number (e.g. Ellison / Hostile Archipelago / 21).
- Location: Top-right corner, aligned with the page number.
- Font: Match the body text (e.g. Times New Roman, 12-point).
- Exclusions: Don’t include headers on the title page, copyright page, or blank pages.
Chapter and Section Breaks
- Chapter Breaks: Start each new chapter on a fresh page. Centre the heading (e.g. Chapter One or just 1).
- Scene Breaks: To indicate a shift within a chapter, centre asterisks * * * or a decorative symbol instead of using a hard page break.
- Avoid Extra Spacing: Keep chapter starts clean and free of excessive line breaks to maintain typesetting flexibility.
Final Tips
- Save as: .doc or .docx — these formats are preferred by most publishers.
- Proofread Carefully: Double-check for consistent formatting and typos.
- Check Submission Guidelines: Agents or publishers may have specific preferences (e.g. single spacing, different fonts, or no headers).
Formatting may not be the most glamorous part of the writing process, but it’s one of the most important – especially if you're self-publishing or submitting to professionals. When your manuscript is tidy and professional, it shows respect for your craft and your reader.
So do take a moment, and compare your manuscript to that novel you pulled off your shelf. Your story deserves to look just as polished!