For your first page or cover page, type your name and contact information in the top left corner.
Place an approximate word count in the top right-hand corner. To determine the count in Microsoft Word, click on "Tools," then "Word Count." Round to the nearest 100 for shorter manuscripts and to the nearest 500 for longer works (round 44,761 words to 45,000).
Center the title in all capital letters halfway down the page.
Center your byline ("by Jane Smith") two lines below the title.
Begin your story on page 2.
Allow at least a 1-inch margin on all sides. Leave a ragged right margin; do not right-justify. This means that the text on the right side of the page will not line up perfectly.
Indent each new paragraph and line of dialogue. Double-space between lines. Add an extra line between scene breaks.
Start each new chapter on a new page. Leave several blank lines at the top of each chapter. Center the chapter head on the page in all capital letters. Skip a line before starting your chapter text.
In the top left corner of every page, type your last name, a slash and a key word or two from your title. For example: "Smith/Journey Home." The "Header and Footer" feature in Microsoft Word (found in the "View" menu) allows you to automatically place this text on every page.
Use Header and Footer to add page numbers in the top right corner of every page.
Print on white, 8-1/2-inch x 11-inch paper. High-quality bond paper is not necessary.
Use Courier or Times New Roman 12-point font.
Print in black ink only on normal or best quality.
Do not bind or staple the pages together.