Page numbering

DWSTXS · Feb 16, 2008

First of all, I apologize if this is the incorrect place to post this.

My question regards page numbers. Do agents and publishers want them numbered? At the top? At the bottom?

I am almost sure that they need to be numbered, however I cannot find any posting anywhere in the forums that tell whether they should be at the top of the page or the bottom.

anyone?

bluntforcetrauma · Feb 16, 2008

I read a post somewhere (maybe Uncle Jim's thread) that says it's not necessary. Although, it stated if the ms was dropped on the floor it would help the reader reassemble the pages.

Patrick L · Feb 16, 2008

Most of the formatting books I have read suggest that you do number the pages. I use a header with my name/book title on the left, and page numbers on the right, starting after the title page.

James D. Macdonald · Feb 16, 2008

I number mine in both places. Both in the running head (flush right: name/title/page#) and centered at the bottom.

Start with page one; continue to The End.

Cranky · Feb 16, 2008

Well, if you're like me, it sometimes helps to have a graphic example of what the formatting is supposed to look like, so here is a link to an example of a formatted manuscript, complete with page numbering.

Hope this helps!

Toothpaste · Feb 16, 2008

If you use Microsoft Word, it's really easy to number pages, in fact it will do them all with a click of a button. Just go to the top of the screen where it reads File, Edit, etc . . . Click on "Insert" and then you'll see "Page Numbers".

Hope this helps!

HeronW · Feb 16, 2008

title page, no number, then next page start with page 2 upper right corner along with your last name and your title or 2-3 words of the title of it's long.

maestrowork · Feb 16, 2008

DWSTXS said:
First of all, I apologize if this is the incorrect place to post this.

My question regards page numbers. Do agents and publishers want them numbered? At the top? At the bottom?

I am almost sure that they need to be numbered, however I cannot find any posting anywhere in the forums that tell whether they should be at the top of the page or the bottom.

anyone?

Yes. There should be a header on every page with your name, the title of the ms. and page number. Remember, you don't staple your ms. So just in case the agent misplaces the ms. or it falls on the floor, they have a way to find the thing and reassemble the ms. Without page number, there is no way they can put it back together, and it goes into the trash.

The header goes on top.

DWSTXS · Feb 16, 2008

Thanks everyone. I now have it formatted properly. I appreciate your help.

Page numbering

DWSTXS

Mr Mojo Risin...

bluntforcetrauma

Esquire

Patrick L

looking for a home

James D. Macdonald

Your Genial Uncle

Cranky

Toothpaste

THE RECKLESS RESCUE is out now!

HeronW

Down Under Fan

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

DWSTXS

Mr Mojo Risin...