![]() If you’re formatting your manuscript for submission to a freelance editor and they ask for standard manuscript format, this is probably why they’re looking: when every manuscript looks the same, copyeditors can sink into their comfort zones, and busy editors appreciate when authors take the steps themselves. It’s easiest for me to spot typos, duplicated words, and other rogue elements when I’m looking at the same font I usually look at (Times New Roman), and consistency in elements like page margins and line spacing helps me isolate issues I might otherwise miss. ![]() When I copyedit a manuscript, I like documents in standard manuscript format mostly because I do my best work in a consistent work environment. Because of this, while the basics requirements tend to be the same pretty much anywhere, the details can vary slightly in scope. The reason a manuscript might need to conform to a standard set of requirements depends on who’s asking for the manuscript and what they’re planning to do with it. Why Does Standard Manuscript Format Matter? It’s always a good idea to check the website of any editor or publisher you’ll be working with and follow any submission guidelines you find there. Other freelancers will have different formatting requirements and different thresholds for their own work environments. Monospaced fonts like Courier are valued for their spatial regularity and reliability to typesetters, but this freelance editor relies on the characteristics and visual discrepancies of Times New Roman to confidently navigate a text. Some of these guidelines have changed to embrace new technology and shifting goals. (And while we’re at it, please leave a single space between sentences, not a double space!) ![]() Regular 0.5″ indents, automatic (not tabbed).No extra line spaces between paragraphs.Text flush left (with ragged right margins).8.5″ x 11″ page size with 1″ margins all around.If you’re submitting your manuscript to a freelance editor like me, hitting the basics-whenever possible, and whenever it makes sense for your manuscript-should would just fine: ![]()
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