Lars Eighner's Homepage Writers' Workshop FAQ: Q. So, what does a manuscript look like?

Q. So, what does a manuscript look like?

A. In general, manuscripts are not very impressive to look at.

The Short Story Manuscript

Short stories should not have cover pages. Short stories should be accompanied by a very short cover letter, which serves as a cover page, and because it is very short, it has plenty of space for editorial notes. The first page is not numbered because it should be obvious from its form that it is the first. The second page is numbered "2" and so forth with the successive pages. Pages are not stapled, but may be held together with a large paper clip.

Q. Is it wise to put my social security number on my manuscript?

The Novel Manuscript

Page number one of a novel is usually the first text page of chapter one. Preliminary pages ("front matter") usually are not numbered because it should be obvious from their forms what they are. If one of them runs to more than one page, additional pages bear a caption like "contents--2" centered in the line where page numbers would go. Pages are not bound, but are shipped loose in a box.

Q. What parts of the book does the author provide?

Script Format

The techniques and various styles of screen writing are beyond the scope of these pages, but the following are included for quick reference. Note that some screenwriting competitions, which may or may not be good for you, are very strict about matters of form including font. Be sure to get the guidelines and conform to them.