![]() It’s cloud-based, so you can open the document and work on it with just about anything that comes with a digital or physical keyboard. Google Docs offers all of the essential formatting tools you need for a book. You get it bundled in with a basic Google Mail account. If you’re a child of cloud computing, Google Docs might seem like the most natural option when considering how to write a manuscript. Plus, the Windows version lags behind the Mac version in terms of functions and features. On the con side, there is a steep learning curve involved. The pros of Scrivener are the raw power it gives you in writing your manuscript. This feature gives you a high-level option to organize and reorganize your manuscript without tedious cutting and pasting. For example, you can break down a chapter into scenes. This lets you break down your manuscript into sections or subsections with as much detail as you want. One key example is the outlining feature. Beyond its essential word processing features, Scrivener offers a host of useful tools for manuscript writing and formatting. Many people consider Scrivener the Cadillac or Rolls Royce of manuscript writing software. That’s always a bonus for the cash-strapped writer. ![]() The software interface strongly resembles the standard Microsoft setup, so it reduces the learning curve. You get a very similar set of formatting options. On the cons side, it’s a somewhat expensive option if you must buy the software as a standalone program or need a subscription to Office 365.įor those who just need or want a word processing program for writing their manuscript that offers comparable features to Microsoft Word at a lower price point, OfficeLibre is the software for you. On the pros side, it’s familiar, functional, and widely available. If you’re an Apple user, you’ll also need some help with running Windows on a Mac to use the original Word software. It’s also included in options like Microsoft 365 subscriptions or already on some computers. It’s a word processing program that lets you apply just about any formatting requirement you can imagine.Ī lot of people learn basic word processing in it, so that makes it a natural default for writing manuscripts. Microsoft WordĪs will likely surprise no one, Microsoft Word is the default software option for writing manuscripts. ![]() Now that we’ve covered the essential formatting information, let’s jump into the manuscript software options. Most writing software lets you set the header and page numbers. HeaderĪfter the title page, every page will need a header that includes your last name, a word or two from the title, and the page number. Save yourself some headaches and make this a document setting instead of using the tab key. The first sentences in each paragraph should get a. Your manuscript should be left-aligned, meaning you get a jagged right edge on the text. One-inch margins are still standard for all manuscripts. Read the guidelines carefully for each publisher. However, with so much digital publishing going on, online-only outlets sometimes accept single-space manuscripts. Traditional publishers and most agents still expect double-spaced manuscripts. ![]() If they specify, it’s typically Times New Roman. Most publishers expect a 12-point, serif font. You typically center this information around the middle of the page. You need a cover page that typically includes the book title, your name, or your preferred pseudonym. Over the years, the publishing industry settled on a slightly flexible set of manuscript formatting rules you must follow. That all changes when you get to the point that you’re ready to submit it to agents or publishers. When writing your manuscript, you can assemble it in any way that makes sense to you. And if you need help editing or proofreading your draft, use, a professional writing, and editing service online. If you plan on jumping into the book-writing game, keep reading for an overview of the manuscript format and six pieces of software that will help you write that manuscript. If not during writing, you can’t escape the need during editing and formatting. You need some kind of software while writing a manuscript. Of course, those people will quickly run into a basic problem. While 200 million people won’t start writing a book this year, a healthy percentage of them will take the plunge and start a book. How many? Some estimates put the number as high as 200 million.
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