Submitting a short story for publication? The first thing you should do is check the submission requirements from the publisher themselves. To add to that, here are a few standard guidelines we recommend that you follow.
Paper. Use white, unlined and standard-sized. Never print on both sides.
Type. Print the manuscript using a common easy-to-read font, such as Times New Roman, Arial or Tahoma. Keep it between 10 to 12 points in size.
Format. Keep a standard 1-inch margin on all sides of the paper and double-space your lines for clarity. Make sure new paragraphs add at least one additional line. Use page numbers throughout the manuscript.
Cover Page. Always use a cover page with the following information:
- name, mailing address, phone numbers and other contact details on the upper left hand corner
- word count on the upper right hand corner
- title (center)
- byline (two lines below the title)
Naturally, any material you submit to a publisher should be checked error-free, from basic spelling to grammar to factual items. Always use a proofreading software or employ the help of someone who can assist on this end. Usually, it’s difficult to discover your own mistakes until you’re at the point of sending it off. An extra eye (or a smart software) should be able to help you out.
