M is for MANUSCRIPT

The first time I’d heard the word manuscript was in a FB conversation with another author. 

            “How’s your MS going?” she said.

            “My MS, what's that?” I asked back, completely clueless.

            She patiently went on to explain, at which point I felt greener than pre-ripe banana, but I'd much rather be informed by a friend than say, an editor.     *facepalm*  


            I warned you in the beginning that I learn things the hard way.  

            And so MS stands for manuscript.  You know, that stack of paper that when published is your book. 

Image Source

Kinda important to know, right?

            At the time I’d written for an online website for a couple of years prior, at the beginning of my journey to try to get published.  The lingo used in the digital publishing world differed slightly, like the variance between AMA and MLA writing formats, so I hadn't heard the term used much before.

Since that discovery however, I’ve noted that manuscript guidelines are pretty straightforward:

·        Single page, front only

·        12-pont font

·        1-inch margins on all sides

·        Double-spaced (to let your copy editor work his/her grammar and syntax magic)

·         New Times Roman and Courier font are the most commonly used.  Possibly Georgia.

·        Check with your publisher as to the max/min word count required (typically based sub-genre and story type).

  

That’s it wrapped in a bow.  MS--know it, live it.  Don’t get caught without it.

Please come back Monday:  N is for NARRATIVE VOICE.  

See you there!

-         SNG