Best Computer Program Format for rewriting paperback novel?

Question

Several years ago I started a novel on a typewriter.  I've now got some time to finish it, and I want to do it on my computer.  I have Microsoft Office 2010, and  Open Office from Sun Microsystems.   I'm not sure that their formatting is the best for my work.   I'm thinking of Paperback.   Is there a particular format that works well for this, so I can see what the finished product would look like?

S.K. · Accepted Answer

What form a completed novel will take is immaterial. I would transcribe to Word, if that's part of MS Office, or to Open Office if you don't have Word. Edit: Set OpenOffice to save your file as a .doc, since most agents and publishers who accept electronic documents seek .doc.

All the novelists I know write their novels in whatever word processing program is on their computers. Use one-inch margins, and indent your paragraphs 1/2 inch, without a blank line between them. Use either Courier (and kind) or Times New Roman font in a size 12.

When you offer your manuscript to publishers, you can easily change it to conform to their submission guidelines if you start with this.

old lady · Answer

Microsoft Word is the industry standard - 12 point New Times Roman or 12 point Courier. 
The programs that you have will do just fine.

Best Computer Program Format for rewriting paperback novel?

2 Antworten