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Question: Please bring me up to date: One or two spaces between sentences!? Italics or underline!?
It's the simple things that get me!. I have read contradictory information (even in a Y!A search) so I decided to bring these questions to my trusted pals here in B&A!.
I'm writing a novel and am confused on the following points:
1!. In a manuscript, do I double space between sentences or not!?
2!. When using italics to show unspoken thoughts or to emphasize a word, I'm not sure if the old standard of underlining words I want the publisher to put in italics still applies!.
(I should have asked this question a couple of months ago!. It has occurred to me how much time it would take to make that kind of change--from underline to italics--throughout a completed ms and how easily it could be to overlook a few!.)Www@QuestionHome@Com
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
I'm afraid that I'm going to be the voice of dissension!. Because I submit my ms in a word doc attachment (I already work with a publisher and that's what they prefer), their formatting specifically suggests one space after a period!.
I also italicize, rather than underline!.
However, if you're submitting in Courier, which is standard for a traditional publisher, please underline that which you want in italics!. It's easier on the copyeditor's eyes!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
Yeah! This a brave new world for writers!. However double spaces between sentences is always good!. (It helps the poor readers of manuscripts from going blind from all of the reading and gives their eyes a short break)!. However it does seem that Italics is preferred to the old fashioned underline!. Good Luck PAL!!!!!!! ~M~Www@QuestionHome@Com
Double space the manuscript, always doublespace!. also i don't think the rule still applies with underlining words!. Good luck with your book!!!
-KV KID 19Www@QuestionHome@Com
What I have learned is:
Double spacing after sentences!. Italicize instead of underline, as a general rule!. (As you indicate, underlining in the old days of typesetting was a direction to the typesetter to italicize what was underlined!. Nowadays with word processing, it is as easy for the author to do, and so if you want it to be italicized, you should italicize!. You want your manuscript to look as polished and close to the final product as reasonably possible!.)Www@QuestionHome@Com
Dixie,
There is only one space after the period!. You can hit the return twice to double space for the next line, but I find it easier to single space the entire novel and then format it correctly after I'm finished!. As far as the italics, you simply use them for spoken thoughts that are usually made to sound condescending or facetious!. Other times they are used as emphasis for a single word!. The italics thing usually comes into play when you are submitting a short story to an anthology!. Some editors/publishers of the anthology want to see the words underlined and then do the italics themselves!.
The problem with this is, I’ve submitted work this way and ended up seeing my story with underlined words!. Really dumb that they forget to format it correctly!. Most of your novel submissions are right up front with the formatting!. Double spaced, one inch margins all around, half inch indent for new paragraphs!.
PJ MWww@QuestionHome@Com
Yup!. Two spaces after your sentences!.
As for the formatting question, you'll typically be sent a long list of guidelines when the request is made!. If you're not sent a long list of guidelines feel free to ask a long list of questions!. :)
It varies!. I had an agent several months ago request a view of a full manuscript and he wanted all formatting stuff footnoted but not visible!. The other one I sent a full manuscript to wanted it formatted how I wanted it printed but with 13 pt courier!. It seems to depend entirely on the readers!.
But, as always, what do I know!?
(You done, Dix!? Good luck!)Www@QuestionHome@Com
Yes, everything is doublespaced!. It's so editors can mark changes that need to be made, and it's so copyeditors and can mark instructions for the typesetter!. Single space is an eyesore anyway!.!.!.for anyone, actually, because most novels use doublespace if you look closely and compare it to singlespace!.
Underline the words to show italics for thoughts or emphasis, or just leave thoughts as they are!.
That's strange that you've read contradictory information!. Every site I go on for manuscript format says the exact same thing!.
Make sure you have one inch margins all around and the top right hand corner labeled like this: Last name/ title/pg #!.
And make sure you have a right jagged margin!.
also, if you want to indicate scene breaks, do this: #!. That's all you need!.Www@QuestionHome@Com