ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Manuscript format

Hi there! So, imagine you are drawing a picture and you want to make sure all the different parts of it are organized and easy to read. That's kind of like what manuscript format is for writing.

Basically, when people write stories or books, they need to make sure they format it in a way that makes it clear and easy to read for other people. Here are some of the most important things to remember when it comes to manuscript format:

1. Use 8.5 x 11 inch paper that's white and has a clean edge at the top.
2. Put your name, address and contact information in the top left corner of the first page.
3. In the top right corner of each subsequent page, put your last name and the page number.
4. Use a 12-point font like Times New Roman or Arial, and double-space everything throughout the document.
5. Use one-inch margins on the top, bottom and sides of each page.
6. Indent the first line of every paragraph by half an inch.
7. Put your title in all caps in the center of the first page, and also include your name underneath it.
8. Chapters should start on a new page, with the chapter number and chapter name centered at the top.

Overall, the goal of manuscript format is to make sure your writing looks professional and is easy to read, so that agents and publishers can take you seriously as a writer.