I just had this question on my post in the fragments and feedback section. When you are submitting a short story to an editor, should you always use a font like curior, or is using something else (like Arial) which is a smaller font and therefore able to put more on a page (aslo get more onto that first page which might be the only page the editor is going to read)acceptable?
Posted by Elan (Member # 2442) on :
Editors don't go for tricks, so trying to squeeze more than they have stipulated merely shows them you are unwilling to be cooperative or unable to comprehend the rules. In other words, bad idea.
Make what effort you can to research the editor's requirements. Most publishers have websites with submission requirements posted. If you can't identify their requirements, I would suggest you error on the side of caution. Courier, 12 point, double-spaced, 1" margins.
It's important to realize there are REASONS behind the editor's requirements. Arial is not the easiest font to read. Have pity on these poor, hard-working individuals who have to slog through a 3 foot stack of manuscripts on a regular basis. When they ask for a particular manuscript format, it's because it works for them. Give them what they want.
You won't need any font tricks to fool them; if your writing is strong and captivating they'll read further than the first page of their own volition. If your writing lacks polish, no font in the world will compel them to read beyond the first page.
Posted by trousercuit (Member # 3235) on :
Do everything you can to make your manuscript stand out. Perfume it, print it in MS Comic Sans, print it on card stock, write the first page in a spiral so they have to rotate it to read it... Include, in the box you send it in, a ticking clock. Dust it with baby powder.
Write a heart-wrenching, if not exactly true, cover letter.
Slush pile editors love cute things like that. It breaks up the monotony of their otherwise extremely boring day.
Posted by Beth (Member # 2192) on :
I think glitter's more effective than baby powder! I mean, with baby powder you have to call the FBI just in case it's anthrax, you know? but glitter sticks with the reader for weeks.
Posted by Survivor (Member # 213) on :
On their face too, which always makes such an ice-breaker Posted by jayazman (Member # 2818) on :
Well, I checked some of the magazines like Asimovs and Fantasy and Science Fiction, and neither one of those specifies a font.
I would think a smaller font, putting more on a page and consequently less pages, would be better. How do others who submit short stories to magazines format their manuscripts?
Posted by Beth (Member # 2192) on :
Unless otherwise specified, use standard manuscript formatting. Among other things, the standard calls for 12 point courier and 1" margins. google "standard manuscript format" for a wealth of information.
cramming more words on a page: really really really bad idea. your object is to make it easier for editors to read, not harder.
Posted by Pyre Dynasty (Member # 1947) on :
Let me put what has been said another way, the publishing industry is more concerned with saving their eyes rather than with saving trees.
Ohh wouldn't it be cool to add one of those things they put in hallmark cards so when they open the package it plays fanfare?
Posted by hoptoad (Member # 2145) on :
Hire a sky-writer.
Posted by Novice (Member # 3379) on :
There are a ton of resources on this topic. Two I have used are:
Uncle Orson's Writing Class (check the top of your page here) Formatting Outlines and Manuscripts
The website for the SFFWA, under "Resources" and "Craft of Writing", has numerous articles about manuscript format and word count.
