Unless you’re writing a screenplay, you do not need extravagant writing software programs to ensure that your book manuscript format is properly formatted. So long as you adhere to a few simple rules, agents and publishers will take a look at it and decide if they want to find it a good, loving home in the publishing file.

I previously gave you ten tips to help you hook an agent’s attention with a great query letter. Now that you’ve gotten that letter requesting your full manuscript (and finished crying) I’ll get through to the dos as well as the don’ts of submitting the pages.

Adhere to my advice and any agent or publisher who evaluates your hard work is going to evaluate it in accordance with the strength of its words, not superficial–and avoidable–screw-ups. Some may seem obvious, but as a literary agent, I saw these mistakes made again and again. So they are not obvious to everyone. |

1. Double space. 1.5 spaces nor 1.75 spaces doesn’t count. It doesn’t even mean 1.75. If your manuscript is too long and you want to lessen the page count, edit it. Don’t try to fool anyone. Whomever you’re trying to trick won’t fall for it. Plus they won’t read it. Double-spaced text is a lot easier to edit and read.

2. Using Page numbers. Several people make the big mistake of leaving out the page numbers. And some people do it on purpose thinking the reader is not going to notice that the manuscript is 1000 pages long.

3. Use a cover page. This is essential. It must include your name, mailing address, telephone number, email, and a copyright date to protect yourself. This is to ensure that the agent or publisher can contact you.

These are just a some important tips. Be sure you sign up to the mailing list to receive a free valuable writing book.