#Whats a manuscript for free#
#Whats a manuscript how to#

Keep the following MLA guidelines in mind: These formatting conventions outline how poems should be formatted in terms of their line breaks, margins, and text size. When in doubt, MLA formatting requirements often align with poetry manuscript formatting guidelines. Additionally, repeatedly hitting enter can mess up the formatting on the document when you finally click submit. Page breaks make it much easier to edit your manuscript, because if you start a new page by hitting enter several times, then the changes you make to one poem will affect how the poems are formatted on every other page. Most word editors list “page break” under the “Insert” tab. When entering your poems into the manuscript, create a new page by clicking “page break” in the word editor you use. “Untitled” poems tend to show a lack of care for the poem’s language, unless the subject matter of the poem has a relationship to the word “Untitled.” 5. Additionally, try to give all of your poems captivating titles. Start each poem with a properly capitalized title, and be sure that only one poem occupies each page. If Jonathan includes this poem in a manuscript submission, he would want to write in the acknowledgments page that “‘A Prayer’ is previously featured in Nashville Review.” 4. However, you need to acknowledge those previous publications.įor example, instructor Jonathan McClure has a poem titled “ A Prayer” published in Nashville Review. Many poetry publishers will allow a fraction of the manuscript’s poems to be previously published.

Include Acknowledgments to Previous Publications The formatting doesn’t need to be fancy: you can format it left flush or centered, just use consistent copyediting and include page numbers for each work.ģ. Here is an example of a table of contents for a poetry manuscript. Placing page numbers within the manuscript will also demonstrate this care and make it much easier to create the table of contents.

Additionally, it shows that you’ve taken care in the placement of each poem in the manuscript, and if your book has sections, a table of contents can highlight how the manuscript is sectioned. The table of contents helps the reader navigate your manuscript so they can return to the poems that they especially like. Include Pages Numbers and a Table of ContentsĪfter your cover sheet, a table of contents will help make a good impression on the reader. Your cover sheet doesn’t need a ton of editing, but be sure to follow MLA conventions and present yourself with authority and professionalism. Here’s a great example of a cover sheet, though a quick web search should show you the general page format.Ībove is an example of a cover sheet which I submitted for a chapbook content a couple years back. On top of your name and the title of your manuscript, a cover sheet includes your phone number, email, and physical address. The cover sheet is mostly a formality, but it includes all of the important information a publisher needs to contact you. The first page of your poetry manuscript should be a cover sheet. Ready to submit a poetry manuscript? Then let’s get to formatting! Many publishers won’t consider your poetry manuscript submissions if they don’t adhere to the following 9 poetry manuscript format tips.

#Whats a manuscript for free#

You can download it for free here:ĭownload example poetry manuscript (.docx) Poetry Manuscript Format Tips

#Whats a manuscript how to#

Free Resource: Formatted Poetry Manuscript ExampleĪs you read the guidelines on how to format a poetry manuscript below, follow along with a free resource: an appropriately formatted, editable example poetry manuscript with a cover page and a table of contents. Below are nine essential tips on how to format a poetry manuscript, as well as advice for navigating the world of publishing poetry but first, let’s understand the two types of poetry publishing opportunities that exist. Publishing houses often post guidelines for submissions and contests, but even then, there are some formatting styles you need to conform to if you want your manuscript to be taken seriously. Poetry manuscript submissions must conform to certain formatting guidelines to even be considered by publishers. There’s only one thing standing between you and submitting your poetry for publication: the poetry manuscript format. After months of writing, editing, rewriting, hair-pulling, and late-night coffee sessions, you have a finished poetry manuscript.