Submission Guidelines

Format of Text

Line spacing

Please send your submissions with single spacing. Double spacing works best for printing a manuscript on paper to be sent to a publisher. I do all my feedback work on a computer monitor and prefer single spacing.

Font Style

Any style will do, as long as it is not too hard on my eyes. I prefer Verdana, Arial, or Times New Roman. Courier or Courier New is okay, too.

Font size

Please use at least 10 or 12 point font.

Justification

Please do not select "Justify" (straight edges on both left and right margins). That may be what you see in printed books, but that makes it harder for me to insert my comments. So, please use "Align Left".

Please Note

When I return your file, I will reformat it as single spacing, left justified with one inch or more margins all around. Text that was centered will remain centered. I may change the font style.

Format of File

Save your file as a Microsoft Word DOC or RTF format. If you use Word for Vista, save your file in RTF format.

If you use a Macintosh computer, please send your file as RTF (Rich Text Format) format. I have found that RTF works better for files from Macintoshes.

If you use a Linux or Unix machine, you must send your file in RTF format.

If you have difficulties, in most cases, I can help you find a way to format and get your file to me. I’ve been doing this for years.

Zipping (optional): Yes, you can zip a file before sending it to me. I can handle files with ZIP extension, but please no fancy alternative compression formats. You don't have to zip your file if you don't want to. I prefer them not zipped.

Email Your Submission

I do not work with paper copies that are postal mailed. I only work with emailed files.

Word Count

To count the number of words in your file before you send it, so you know how much 10,000 words is:

1. In Word, make sure no text is highlighted.

2. Click on "Tools" and then "Word Count".