Ok, I'm not sure if this thread is in the right place but anywho.

I'm aware of the basic rules for sending out a submission. Numbered pages, margin(obviously), limited synopsis, etc. But I'm wondering is times new roman the only font appropriate to use? I have a slightly softer font for my story, its easier on the eyes and less harsh. Also what is the proper size (e.g, 12 or 14) and what should the paragrpah spacing be? (single or double - single seems quite tight for an agent who wants to be able to read quite easily and fast)

Thanks

Sarah.

Hi Sarah. I use Times Roman, it's a standard font, but I'm sure there are other fonts acceptable to agents and publishers (no doubt other WW subscribers will post their thoughts). 1.5 line spacing is the best - double is slightly too much. Size 12 font is standard. Don't justify the margin on the right.

Sarah
I use Ariel 12 point, but was under the impression that double spacing was an absolute must. Traveller - I'm pretty sure that it says this in various books on the subject (eg From Pitch to Publication by Carole Blake.) I agree about 1.5 being pleasing though and use this for journalistic stuff.

I use Bradley Hand TCI in bold for my own personal use, it's quite a soft font(hence the bold) and it works against the bright screen.

I would figure double spacing is more appropriate, lots of room for an agent if a particularly intense chapter comes up.

I use Times New Roman 11pt with double spacing and haven't had complaints, though I think some people would think it's very slightly too small. 12pt with 1½ line spacing uses about the same amount of paper. Of course how big and/or clear a point size is does vary with the typeface, and how big a line space is varies with typeface and point size. I'd agree that 12pt with double spacing is slightly too much - your eye gets lost between lines. The original Times typefaces were brilliantly designed to be completely clear while being as compact as possible, and it's still true.

Margins of at least 1½ inches each side, and yes, ranged left, not justified.

I certainly wouldn't use a sanserif font like Ariel except for poetry, as they're much more annoying to read at any length. Fundamentally, you want it to look as professional = standard = boring as possible. It's not as if how you present it has anything to do with how it will look when it's published.

Emma

I agree. And I know this seems really trivial but should a new chapter title be centre or off to the side?

<Added>

So point 14 is really out of the question?

I've always centred them, as they almost always would be in a typeset book, and I feel as if I've only seen MS like that, but I can't honestly say I've ever read anything authoritative one way or the other. I suppose you might want to save up range left for subheads like the dates or places if you're using them to keep the reader straight, or as diary entries.

Emma

It's great to get the simplist things sorted, makes me more confident.

Emma
Just a quick thought. When I had my novel critiqued by Cornerstones, they didn't mention anything being wrong with Ariel - and they pick up on precisely those kind of details if they're a problem. I also use Ariel in all my 'regular' work (journalism): I've honestly never had a single features editor ever comment on it.
Not meaning to be argumentative, but I don't agree that it is hard on the eye. Maybe just personal taste? Thought I'd mention this.
thanks.

Interesting, but obviously it's not a problem, in that case. It's certainly such a plain font that it's not hard to read in the general way - I like it - it's more that seriffed faces lead your eye along for quick reading.

Emma

I would also advise against using the 1.5 spacing and go for double. Double is the industry standard, after all, and 1.5 might seem lazy. Otherwise, I suppose you could check.

I use 1.5 all the time now, Times Roman, because I find it that much easier to read.

JB

Thanks JB!

I have to take issue with this point about spacing - 1.5 is standard as far as I am aware. Agents and publishers say double spacing so as not to get single spaced submissions. Which begs the question, why don't they ask for 1.5 line spacing? Another mystery of the publishing industry I guess.

It's all a bit confusing, isn't it! Traveller, in what way is it standard then, if they all ask for double?
sorry if I'm being dense.

Agents and publishers say double spacing so as not to get single spaced submissions

I'm sure that's the fundamental reason. They don't get their rulers out and reject you for 1½. Also, typewriters couldn't do 1½, you either did one bash of the carriage return lever, or two. Maybe like many other things (e.g. the courier argument) it's a hangover from the days when it was either 1 or 2 and nothing in between.

Emma

<Added>

Actually, I do remember some tiny, inky lever deep in the bowels of a manual typewriter, which you could set to 1½, but then you were stuck with 1½ and nothing else.