You've spent months or maybe years writing your novel. You've presented it to your critique group, made revisions and had it professionally edited. After studying the market guide you've found publishers you feel may be interested. Now, you're ready to package it up and send it off.

Here are some basic guidelines for submitting a professional looking complete manuscript:

The first page of your manuscript is the title page. On that page, in the upper left corner, type your name, address, phone number and e-mail address. In the upper right corner, type the approximate word count. All information in the upper corners should be single spaced. Halfway down the title page, type the title (centered) of your novel. Under the title, two spaces below, type the words "by”, under this, two spaces below type your name.

Beginning on page two, (the title page is page one) place your last name followed by a slash then the title of your work in the upper left corner; in the upper right corner place the page number of each remaining page. Halfway down the page type the chapter title and number. Again, both of these are centered. The remaining pages of your manuscript need to be double spaced. Each page should have at least a 1 to 1 ½ inch margin.

After your manuscript is properly formatted write a cover letter which introduces you, the title of your work and politely asks the publisher to read your manuscript. Send your m

anuscript to a person. Make sure you have their correct title and above all make sure you spell his or her name correctly.

Before you print off your manuscript and cover letter check everything once again for spelling and grammar errors.

Print your manuscript off (only on one side of the paper) on good quality twenty to twenty two pound white paper, 8 ½ x 11 inches.

Manuscripts longer than ten pages should be mailed in 5 x 7- inch mailing envelope. Enclose a self addressed stamped envelope (SASE) for a reply.

Follow these guidelines and you will present a professional looking writing package worthy of the time you spent on your novel.

Tell Your Friend