Just thought I'd share a good resource link that addresses various rules on how to submit manuscripts to editors. Hope it helps anyone. Please visit here
As has been mentioned in other threads, each publisher has its own set of guidelines, so you are best off consulting the publisher's website that you plan to submit to. You may need to make some changes to match the next publisher's preferences, but your word processing program should make that fairly easy.
I agree with you but the link does offer a good and initial insight into how manuscripts are generally accepted. It's most definitely aimed at many writers, who like me for example, don't really know the general rules of manuscript format. The same applies to many others who find themselves in the same situation but instead of aiming at submitting their work to publishers, they intend to send it to magazines, instead. Writing competions don't usually stipulate every single manuscript rule they wish to see, assuming very often that writers know them already.
best all-around format guide for a variety of medium is bill shunn's: William Shunn : Manuscript Format that aside, it's still a 'must' to check the individual guidelines of all venues where you intend to submit work and adjust the mss accordingly...
Yep, that format is what is generally accepted among most agents/editors/publishers. Still, as said above, a little research goes a long way. Sometimes an agent or publisher will have a slight variation on that Bill Shunn format, and while they would probably still accept it as is, some of them are completely anal, and get an ego trip when you do it "thier" way. I know it sounds silly, but welcome to the world of Novelcraft Skip
Even though individual publishers require different approaches, at least it's a starting point. Good for you! - Anthony
