Writing Articles question! - submission format

[thismakecents]

Hello everybody,

Can someone direct me to the right place on the proper format for submitting articles in a word document.

I have searched this site but not really thoroughly.

I am in progress on a 1200 word article and I have a local resources that wants submissions through email with a word document. But as far the whole format, that is up in the air.

I just want to cover all the bases before I submit. This will be my first time. Thanks.

[Stijn Hommes]

It depends. You could use standard manuscript format. 12 point courier or times new roman font, wide margins and double spaced lines, but the editor might not want all of that. It's fine when you want to read it on paper and scrawl comments between the lines, but if they're reading on their screen, adjusting the linespacing is kind of pointless.

Do their guidelines say anything else about how to submit? You could just ask them if they want standard manuscript format, or just send it and tell them to ask if they want it another way.

[dpaterso]

Stijn has pretty much covered it. We also have a manuscript formatting thread in our FAQ forum -- FAQ: Cathy C's Formatting Manuscripts for Submission - All your questions answered! (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26126) -- that may be worth a look.

I think it's unlikely that your "local source" will require a non-standard submission, if they accept your article they'll probably just copy your text into their preferred publishing software. Then again, you'll never know unless you ask!

-Derek

[thismakecents]

Thanks,

Yeah, I found the book word format and have used that for my novels. But that will take awhile to finish and I fear that I truly have bitten off more than I can chew. So someone suggested, I start small and work my way up.

And as with the old adage, "Write what you know". I have put together a few articles on what I know. Smaller is better until I am ready to write bigger. It's like climbing a mountain...got to start at the dang bottom......

Here is all they have on the website. Your insight is appreciated!!!

I have edited this to protect the source of my goldmine until I actually mine some gold from it, but when I do, then I will share the love!!!!!!!!

I promise!!!!!!

All articles must be at least 800 words in length and no more than 1,500 unless discussed prior to submission.

Freelance writers are not part of the staff and work independently without a contract. A resume is not required when making contact regarding freelance opportunities.

Articles are submitted on-spec, which means submission does not guarantee payment. Articles must be approved by the editorial staff before purchased.

Articles must be sent via Microsoft Word attachment through e-mail. Articles sent within the e-mail text will be returned and asked to be reformatted. Should this happen, please do not copy and paste from e-mail text without reformatting to fit in Word.

[IceCreamEmpress]

Sounds like the 'standard format' would work just fine. 12 point font, double-spaced, and all that good stuff. Leave margins of at least 1.25 inches.

[jst5150]

Because I am returning from a short hiatus, I needed to say something. So ...

What they said.