Standard font, font size, and line spacing for a novel manuscript?

Question

Currently my manuscript is in Times New Roman font, size 12, and single spaced.


Is this correct format, or do I need to change font, font size? Must it be double spaced?

Answer 1

I think you can find all you need here http://www.louisaburton.com/fictioncraft/manuscriptformat.html

:)



The Basics (condensed)







SPACING

* Must be double spaced.

* Paragraphs must be indented with no line spaces between

* Scene breaks should be indicated with a double line space.



TITLE PAGE

* Center title and name (real name must be included, pseudonym optional) about haldway down.

* Include anywhere (single spaces) your name & contact details, and word count

* Ignore word processor's word count; calculate it bu multiplying the number of pages by 250.



HEADER

* NOT on title page

* On every other page, have a header consisting of title (or abbreviation thereof), real surname and page number.



CHAPTERS

* Chapters must start on a fresh page

* Chapter headings should be centered about 1/3 of the way down, and followed by 3 double line spaces



FONTS

* Traditionally, editors have preferred nonproportional fonts with serifs like Courier.

* It's good to go with a a font that prints large in 12 point - the only size you should ever print a manuscript

* Indicate italics with underlining.

* Titles, headers & chapter headings can be any font

Answer 2

Every reference I've ever seen says it should be double-spaced, on one side of the paper only. Opinions differ on the font. Some sources say it should be Courier and nothing else, while others says Times New Roman or something that looks like it is acceptable.



Other important points... A4 (Europe) or letter-sized (US) paper, one-inch margin all round. The header line consists of your surname, a one-word version of your title, and the page number, thus: "Dickens / Expectations / 75". You don't need a footer, because all the relevant info is in the header.

Answer 3

The font size should be 12 because that's the standard nowadays. I would personally double space it because these are the standards today. You can always change any of these things in the future though. Have fun writing your novel :)