1. single spaced, 1.5, or double?

    Discussion in 'Revision and Editing' started by Deleted member 11749, Jul 30, 2009.

    Hey,
    What is the common spacing for published novels?
    My brother said it is double-spaced, but I can't believe that...that's like 250 words per page :S
     
  2. thirdwind

    thirdwind Member Contest Administrator Reviewer Contributor

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2008
    Messages:
    7,851
    Likes Received:
    3,339
    Location:
    Boston
    Are you talking about the spacing on an actual novel or on a manuscript that you submit? If it's the former, then it's almost always single spaced. I believe most agents/publishers like double spaced when it comes to submitting a manuscript.
     
  3. well both now that I know they are spaced different :p
    I thought I've read a few novels that are at least 1.5
    would single be a little bit too difficult to read in large doses?
     
  4. thirdwind

    thirdwind Member Contest Administrator Reviewer Contributor

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2008
    Messages:
    7,851
    Likes Received:
    3,339
    Location:
    Boston
    I think reading single spaced novels is just fine. There were a few books that had microscopic print, but I didn't mind that much. But you may be right. The spacing may not be exactly 1x but could be something like 1.2x or even 1.5x as you mentioned. I guess it depends on the publisher.
     
  5. architectus

    architectus Banned

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2008
    Messages:
    1,795
    Likes Received:
    14
    Location:
    Ca
    For manuscripts you want to double space, yeilding about 250 words per page. However, for spacing, I set it to exactly 25 points, or 24, depending on whether 25 or 27 lines per page gives me an average of 250 words per page.
     
  6. Banzai

    Banzai One-time Mod, but on the road to recovery Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2007
    Messages:
    12,834
    Likes Received:
    151
    Location:
    Reading, UK
    Standard manuscript format calls for 2.0 spacing. It makes for easier reading.
     
  7. architectus

    architectus Banned

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2008
    Messages:
    1,795
    Likes Received:
    14
    Location:
    Ca
    I prefer reading single spaced or 1.5 spaced, but it is much easier to edit a double spaced manuscript. I think that is why editors demanded double spacing in the first place. It gives them room to write their editing suggestions above the lines.
     
  8. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 19, 2007
    Messages:
    36,161
    Likes Received:
    2,827
    Location:
    Massachusetts, USA
    It is important to distinguish between a published piece of writing and a manuscript. A manuscript is what you submit to a publisher. The publisher is responsible for all typesetting and layout considerations, not you.

    This is a template post, based of what I have seen of posted submission guidelines. There are variations between publishers, so always give precedence to any guidelines posted by each publisher you plan to submit to:
     
  9. alright guys, thanks.
    So I guess there is so set rule for the spacing of a published work? It can be either 1.5 or single?
     
  10. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    it can be anything!... whatever the publisher wants it to be...

    you shouldn't be concerned with spacing in the book itself, unless you intend to publish your own book and have to format it for the printer...
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice