Wizard or Template for Fiction Submissions?

Question

I have been writing in MS Word and saving each chapter as a separate .rtf file. What I am wondering is what format do I use if an agent wants a book submission. Is it all supposed to be one long file?

Ok, I know it's 12-point New Times-Roman (or Courier-New) but what about the other stuff? By that I mean I have seen things like the first page of each chapter has to be dropped down half a page or something... or that there has to be a certain heading on each page... page numbers, title on each page (?)

I don't know how to do the computer settings. Is there a premade template or wizard for fiction novels, I can put info into and it puts it where it is supposed to be? If not who can tell me how set everything up?

Answer 1

How you have your file formated is really dependant upon the publisher.  Every company has their own specific quirks but there are some standard rules.

Most request that your words be in clear, black typeface in a 12pt Font (preferably Times New Roman) on bright white paper, letter size or A4 is the general standard.  Printing should be only on one side of the page.  Lines should be double spaced on the page, with pages numbered and the author's name appearing as a header and footer on each page.

These are not hard and fast rule.  Some companies want your title to appear in the footer and your name in the header.  It depends on who you are marketing to.

Generally, when I'm writing it is all in one Word doc.  You can separate them, because submissions are almost always print.  Electronic submissions on 3 chapters can be requested, then it is wise that it is in one file.  

Good luck and happy writing!