TypetransManuscript format guide
Novel Manuscript Format: How to Prepare a Submission-Ready DOCX
A novel manuscript should be easy to read, easy to mark up, and consistent from title page to final chapter.
Use standard manuscript format for most novel submissions: 12 pt readable font, double spacing, 1 inch margins, indented paragraphs, page numbers, and each chapter starting on a new page.
Best for
Fiction authors submitting to agents, editors, contests, or publishers.
File policy
Temporary downloads expire after about 12 hours.
Formatting rules
What to check before you use this format
Novelists need a submission format that looks professional without becoming a finished book layout.
Body font
12 pt Times New Roman or Courier
Spacing
Double spaced throughout the manuscript body
Paragraph style
First-line indent for normal paragraphs
Chapter starts
Start each chapter on a new page
Scene breaks
Use a simple marker or blank line, consistently
Header
Author surname, short title, and page number if requested
Title page
Title, author name, contact details, genre, and word count
Step-by-step formatting workflow
Build the title page first
Put the novel title, byline, contact details, and approximate word count in a plain layout.
Format every chapter consistently
Make chapter titles, body paragraphs, and scene breaks follow one repeatable pattern.
Remove book-design styling
Drop drop caps, justified text, decorative fonts, and print-layout flourishes before submission.
Run a final format check
Look for spacing drift, manual indents, inconsistent chapter breaks, and missing page numbers.
Novel manuscript cleanup
Before
Chapter headings vary, paragraphs use tabs, and the text is formatted like a finished paperback.
After
Each chapter starts on a new page with plain headings, consistent indents, double spacing, and clean page numbers.
Common formatting mistakes
- Using justified text, which is common in books but not needed for submissions.
- Centering or stylizing every chapter title differently.
- Leaving tabs, multiple spaces, and manual line breaks throughout the file.
- Forgetting to include word count on the title page.
Frequently asked questions
Do agents require standard manuscript format for novels?
Many agents expect something close to standard manuscript format, but you should still follow each agent's submission guidelines.
Should a novel manuscript have page numbers?
Yes, page numbers are usually expected so the reader can reference the document easily.
Should chapters start on a new page?
For most novel submissions, yes. It helps the manuscript feel organized without adding decorative layout.
Check your DOCX before paying
Upload a DOCX to scan formatting issues for free. If you choose to auto-format, 1 credit covers up to 20 pages. Files are not stored as document history.
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