On the first page, include an approximate word count in the top right corner.Center the title and your byline approximately halfway down the first page.Include your complete contact information single-spaced in the top left corner of the first page (name, address, phone number, and email address).Use only one space after periods and other end punctuation marks.Don’t add an extra space after paragraphs.Courier, Times New Roman, Arial, or something similar and easy to read (don’t get creative with your font choice).1-inch margins all around (.5-inch for page headers).
#Write stories free download#
Here are the general rules (see below for a free template you can download and use over and over again for your own stories and submissions): The great thing about a proper short story manuscript is how easy it is. The key elements of short story manuscript format It may not seem like a big deal, but it is a differentiator when you’re up against thousands of other submissions. Second, good writers are more likely to use the proper format. Why? First of all, they made a good impression. While we didn’t require a standard manuscript format, stories that were professionally formatted were much more likely to be published. Even though we clearly laid this out, at least 10% of submissions were sent single spaced.
If you send something that’s not properly formatted, they’ll likely let out a long sigh and throw it into the rejection pile without reading your outstanding first sentence.Īt my own literary magazine, Bartleby Snopes, we automatically rejected anything that wasn’t double spaced. When the slush editor opens your file, they’ll immediately want to read your story because it’s so inviting. The standard short story format accomplishes both of these things. Whether you’re submitting to World’s Worst Stories or to Only the Best Authors Get Published in Our Pretentious Zine, you need to present your story in a format that’s easy to read and shows you’re a serious author.
#Write stories free professional#
When they don’t, that’s when you need to use a professional short story manuscript format. The big problem though is that most literary magazines don’t clearly outline all the rules. If you want to be published, you have to play the game according to their rules. If you don’t follow a publication’s formatting requirements, they aren’t going to publish your story because they’re never even going to read it. The quickest way to get your short story rejected is by ignoring submission guidelines. Always use professional short story format
0 kommentar(er)
