How do I format my manuscript?

C.J. Rockwell · Feb 6, 2007

I just recently got a response to an e-mail query from an agent saying she wanted to see my manuscript. The problem is I'm not completely sure how to format it.

I also had some questions-

1. I sent out email queries to two other agents that I haven't heard back from, if either of or both of them want to see my manuscript as well should I let those agents know that I'm sending it to other agents, or just send them each a copy of the manuscript?

2. If I get accepted by more than one agent, how do I let the ones I'm not going with know?

3. My manuscript is a collection of short stories clocking in at 41, 000 words and I was wondering if should format it as a novel or some other way.

4. Since my first name is hard to say I was thinking of using a penname. Should put my penname in my manuscript (If so where) as long as I put my real name in the header

I found this article that shows how a manuscipt should look, is it acurate-

http://www.speculations.com/format.html

Thanks for the help

C.bronco · Feb 6, 2007

C.J. Rockwell said:
I just recently got a response to an e-mail query from an agent saying she wanted to see my manuscript. The problem is I'm not completely sure how to format it.
Double spaced, 1" margins.

I also had some questions-

1. I sent out email queries to two other agents that I haven't heard back from, if either of or both of them want to see my manuscript as well should I let those agents know that I'm sending it to other agents, or just send them each a copy of the manuscript?
Most will assume you are sending it out to others, or will ask if they want an exclusive.

2. If I get accepted by more than one agent, how do I let the ones I'm not going with know?
by phone

3. My manuscript is a collection of short stories clocking in at 41, 000 words and I was wondering if should format it as a novel or some other way.
not sure

4. Since my first name is hard to say I was thinking of using a penname. Should put my penname in my manuscript (If so where) as long as I put my real name in the header
Use your real name. We'll all learn how to pronounce it properly, and the world will be better for it.

I found this article that shows how a manuscipt should look, is it acurate-

http://www.speculations.com/format.html

Thanks for the help

I hope this helps. Just use a normal looking font, 11 or 12 point.

C.bronco · Feb 6, 2007

I saw the article and it looks fine to me.

ChaosTitan · Feb 6, 2007

1. I sent out email queries to two other agents that I haven't heard back from, if either of or both of them want to see my manuscript as well should I let those agents know that I'm sending it to other agents, or just send them each a copy of the manuscript?

Yes. If more than one agent requests a partial or full, it is polite to let them know that you have other agents reading it.

2. If I get accepted by more than one agent, how do I let the ones I'm not going with know?

Write or email them. Be polite. It's business, they will understand.

3. My manuscript is a collection of short stories clocking in at 41, 000 words and I was wondering if should format it as a novel or some other way.

Short story collections are difficult to market, period, especially for an unknown writer. Have you tried individually submitting the stories to magazines or other markets?

4. Since my first name is hard to say I was thinking of using a penname. Should put my penname in my manuscript (If so where) as long as I put my real name in the header

Your real name goes on the query and the header info. Your pen name goes on the first page manucript, beneath the title.

Silver King · Feb 6, 2007

Cathy C has all of your formatting questions answered here.

Edward G · Feb 6, 2007

I say, use a pen name. If you get famous, you'll be glad you did.

Sean D. Schaffer · Feb 7, 2007

A good place to start, C.J., is with a thread further up the Writing Novels section called GENERAL MANUSCRIPT FORMATTING. It's a sticky thread, and it's locked so you can't reply to it but can still view it. Look for it near the top of the Writing Novels section.

victoriastrauss · Feb 7, 2007

chaostitan said:
3. My manuscript is a collection of short stories clocking in at 41, 000 words and I was wondering if should format it as a novel or some other way.

Short story collections are difficult to market, period, especially for an unknown writer. Have you tried individually submitting the stories to magazines or other markets?

This is true. Most short story writers establish a track record by selling stories to reputable magazines, journals, anthologies, etc. before trying to market a collection.

Unless the collection is targeted to the children's or YA market, 41,000 words is too short. Around 80,000 is the typical minimum for commercially published books for the adult market.

I'm sorry to say this, but given the above two issues, I'd be afraid that the agent who has requested your ms. may not be reputable. Try checking on her name in the Index in the Bewares & Background Check topic.

- Victoria

C.J. Rockwell · Feb 8, 2007

victoriastrauss said:
This is true. Most short story writers establish a track record by selling stories to reputable magazines, journals, anthologies, etc. before trying to market a collection.

Unless the collection is targeted to the children's or YA market, 41,000 words is too short. Around 80,000 is the typical minimum for commercially published books for the adult market.

I'm sorry to say this, but given the above two issues, I'd be afraid that the agent who has requested your ms. may not be reputable. Try checking on her name in the Index in the Bewares & Background Check topic.

- Victoria

I'm sorry, I forgot to mention the short story collection is for middle grade readers so I think it's long enough. To be safe though I did some digging on the agent and she's legit.

Now once I learn how to format my manuscript, I'll be fine.

How do I format my manuscript?

C.J. Rockwell

Not so new, really

C.bronco

I have plans...

C.bronco

I have plans...

ChaosTitan

Around

Silver King

Megalops Erectus

Edward G

Sean D. Schaffer

victoriastrauss

Writer Beware Goddess

C.J. Rockwell

Not so new, really