Some manuscripts look as if the writer was trying to be a designer as well. It’s easy to get too fancy. Please don’t. Keep things as simple as you can.
No artsy chapter heads and subheads. No special formatting. No images embedded in the text, except for basic charts. Leave the interior layout to a designer. He or she will know what to do when the time comes. That time is not now–not when you’re writing. Keep things simple and clean. Anything more will only complicate matters down the road.
Here is what I mean by simple:
Use Microsoft Word. Other writing apps are acceptable, but Word, with its powerful editing tools, is the standard.
Use just one font. The standard for running text is 12-point Times New Roman, though any similar serif typeface will do. Use a larger type size for chapter heads and, if you wish, for subheads.
Double-space your lines and set them flush left.
Create a separate digital file for illustrations, photos, and other artwork. Designate each image (e.g., 1, 2, 3; a, b, c; table 1, table 2; etc.). Then in your manuscript, where you wish to place an image, set directions in angle or square brackets (e.g., <figure 1.3 about here>). Use high-quality photos to ensure crisp reproduction. Include your image file when you send your finished manuscript to your editor.
Determine your subhead hierarchy. You probably won’t need more than two levels of subhead, but you can allocate a C- or D-level, or as many as you need. You may also want a unique subhead for a special part of every chapter–say, a “Questions” section. Whatever your needs are, think them through and devise a simple system to visually identify the subheads you’ll use. Here is an example:
- A subhead: 14-point, bold, centered, headline style
- B subhead 12-point, bold, flush left, headline style
- C subhead 12-point, bold, italic, flush left, sentence style
- “Application” subhead: 14-point, bold, italics, centered
Subhead designations are just a means of telling the editor and designer at a glance how you’ve organized your material. The designer (aka typesetter, compositor) will determine how each subhead level will translate best into the actual layout of your book’s interior. You’ll have a say in that, of course. But let the compositor weave her artistry first. It’s what she does.
Indent block quotes. Use block quotes for lengthier quotes of more than a hundred words. They’re also effective for highlighting certain shorter text, such as key Scripture verses. You can reduce the font size by a point or two, but it’s not necessary.
One Caveat
If you are working with a publisher, that publisher’s guidelines should overrule any of the above points in the event of a conflict. For instance, the publisher may want you to identify subheads a certain way, or they may have a preferred means of handling images. Always defer to the publisher.
Overall, though–particularly if you’re sef-publishing–these simple guidelines will help you produce a manuscript that is easy for an editor and designer to work with. That will save them time. It could save you money. And it can save all of you some hair-tearing.