Standard Manuscript Format using Word Important 2/2

Learn how to set up your manuscript in Word for proper formatting. If a manuscript is not properly formatted an editor will pass it by and move on to the next one.

http://www.mahalo.com/How_to_Format_Your_Manuscript

In this part we learn how to fix up a bad manuscript like how to get rid of spacing betwen paragraphs, making slanted quotes straight, adding double spaces after ending punctuation quickly.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• formatting
• novel
• word
• tab
• font
• courier
• writing
• editors
• publishing

[DreamerDragon994]

Thanks for this video. It helped a lot. I like all the writing ones you do -- your very helpful :)

Where can I read this story online? From the little I read in the video, it seems very interesting. I especially like the title. It makes me wonder.

Thanks again, and please let me know about where I can read the novel...

[architectus777]

@DreamerDragon994 Unfortunately, it will never be seen. I didn't like the end results. I am going to write a different version of it. It will pretty much be the same story, though. A story about young kids that play the witchboard, and how the main character becomes a psychic vampire in the process. Then it is about his personal struggle.

I might make it a graphic novel.

[muskndusk]

I've always read that double spacing after a full-stop (period) was the standard for typists, but not for word processors, where only one space is required. Is this different in MSS formats?

[architectus777]

Double spacing was done on typewriters because it made it easier to read do to the weird spacing.

It's no longer needed, though, unless you are typing on an old typewriter.

However, if you are used to double spacing, there is no reason to change that habbit.

[modallas2]

You don't need to do any of this if you use LaTeX.

LaTeX is far more writer-friendly and powerful than word.

Since LaTeX is some kind of a typesetting compiler its input is nothing but a text file with directives and commands. It literally takes 5 minutes to go from the most professionally-formatted manuscript with true/authentic typewriter fonts (far more legible than courier), to the most beautifully typeset books assuming you want to self-publish (e.g. Lulu).

[architectus777]

All you have to do is set up a template in word then you are done. You never have to do it again.

Word has other powerful features that I am not willing to give up.

[modallas2]

Hi Architectus:

In LaTeX you don't even have to setup the template. Somebody has already done it and placed all configuration directives in a "class".

You are doing nothing but typing text in a text editor (no double spacing.. no nothing). One push of a button and the manuscript is formatted. And it comes out in true typewriter font which is far more beautiful and legible than courier.

I have microsoft word before. Nothing compares to LaTeX. If you want to learn more let me know.

[saviare7]

Thank you so much for these two tutorials.

[modallas2]

cont'd:

Oh and one more thing: LaTeX is totally free. Totally open source. Works on any platform (mac, linux or pc).

[modallas2]

cont'd:

You will never have to type two spaces after every period in the manuscript, only to have to change that back into one space for the typset version. You only type one space in your text file and latex automatically generates the extra space. And so on.

Only LaTeX will allow you to go from manuscript to a truly typeset version with dazzling fonts with literally one push of a button!

If you need more information let me know.

[modallas2]

One more thing. It literally takes you 5 minutes after you've installed LaTeX to get going.

Writing fiction (unlike writing elaborate scientific articles which LaTeX was originally developed for) requires only a handful of commands that are thoroughly documented in a 10 page pdf manual for writers.

Your work for the rest of your writing life will reduce to nothing more than typing text in an editor. One push of a button will generate a perfectly formatted manuscript from you input text file.