Manuscript Formatting Specifications

Below are the specifications for submitting a manuscript to BookEnds Press for consideration. To assist you in the proper formatting you can review any book published by BookEnds Press to see an example the requirements. However, please note that unlike our published books, we require submissions to be double spaced.

Word Processor

Microsoft Word is our preferred software. If you use a different word processor, please make sure that you don’t use any formatting specific to the application as this will cause formatting problems to occur when we open the file in our software.

Margins

Margins should be .7 inches on all sides.

Fonts

Fonts should be a serif font such as Times New Roman or Garamond, in a readable 12-point size. If your manuscript requires the use of special fonts, please make sure you send the actual font file along with your submission..

Line Spacing

All Pages should be double spaced.

New Paragraphs

Paragraph formatting should be set using the format > paragraph setting within MS Word. Justification should be set to 'left' and all other setting should be set to '0' with the exception of the first line of each new paragraph (.3').

The first paragraph of a new chapter should begin on line 10, below the chapter heading. (see example below)

New Chapters

New chapters should start on an odd numbered page and be centered and clearly marked. The chapter title should be set on line 6 at 16pt bold.

Paragraph/Carriage returns

Please do not use carriage returns except at the end of a paragraph. Allow the lines within paragraphs to wrap automatically. The use of tabs is also discouraged as it will cause delays and difficulties for our typesetters when we format your manuscript for publication.

Dashes

Dashes should be either two hyphens (--) or an em-dash (—). Don’t worry if you don’t know how to create an em-dash. Just go with the far easier two-hyphen style. A single hyphen will make it very difficult for the typesetter to find and convert to a typesetter’s em-dash.

Dashes are used to set off a tangent in thought or speech. Commas serve the same purpose and are less distracting to the reader. They are also used to indicate a sharp hesitation, stutter or interruption in speech.

Limit all use of colons and semi-colons, particularly in speech. Dashes usually serve the same purpose and are preferred.

Spaces between words and sentences

There should only be one space between sentences and words.

Justification

Paragraphs should be left-justified with a ragged right edge. Our typesetting specialists will justify your manuscript during the set-up process.

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