Formatting a Manuscript, Part III, Call for Submisions

More tips on formatting a manuscript: 

1.      A chapter heading can be placed from one to six double-spaced lines down from the top of the page, and the headings can be either centered or left-justified. Drop down two double-spaced lines to begin your story. Each chapter should begin on a new page. Use the same formatting for each chapter. If you drop down four double-spaced lines for the chapter heading in Chapter 1, follow that format for subsequent chapters. 

2.      Left justify each paragraph. The right margins will be “ragged.” 

3.      Double-space the text, and put one space, not two, after a period. When I first started writing professionally, two spaces were accepted, but today the general rule is one space. 

4.      Indent the first line of each paragraph about 1/2 inch.  

5.      Some writers type “End” or The end” at the conclusion of the text. Some do not. It’s a matter of personal choice, unless the publisher’s guidelines state otherwise. 

Next week, I’ll list more tips on formatting a manuscript.           

Call for submissions for adult writers:

Today's Parent. Pays $1/word. Monthly magazine for parents of children up to age 12. Articles are 1,800 to 2,500 words. Canadian slanted. Several smaller columns open to freelancers:

Profile – 250 words
Your Turn (personal experiences) – 800 words
Beyond Motherhood (not related to parenting) – 700 words
Education – 1,200 words
Health Behavior – 1,200 words
Slice of Life (lighter side of parenting) – 750 words

Please send letters, freelance submissions or queries to: editors@todaysparent.com

Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/