Indicate the number of words your manuscript contains in the upper right hand corner. Most word processing programs are equipped with a word counter. This option is usually found under the "Tools" tab. You can type the phrase "Word Count" followed by a colon and the number, or you can simply type the number followed by "Words." Always round the number to the nearest hundred. For example, if your work has 1,468 words, round it to 1,500.
Type your first and last name in the upper left hand corner, beginning on the same line as the word count. On the next line, type your street address followed by the city, state and zip code on the third line. Type your phone number on line four. Be sure to include a phone number that the publisher can use to reach you. Type your email address on the next line.
Press the enter key until your cursor is located five inches from the top of the page. (Use your view button if measurements do not appear on your side margin.) Center the name of your manuscript in all capital letters. Directly under that, type your name, capitalizing only the first letter of your first and last name.
Skip four lines, then begin your first paragraph. Be sure to double space and indent the first line of each paragraph five spaces. The easiest way to accomplish this is to hit the tab key when beginning a new paragraph.
Follow a simpler format for the second page and every page thereafter. In the top left corner, type your last name, a comma, the word "page" and the page number. Many word processing programs contain a feature that will number the pages for you. Be sure to look for this option because it will save you a great deal of time. From there, skip four lines and continue your manuscript.