preparing your manuscript: How?

[Divia]

I have finished with the first 50 pages of my manuscript and the agent would like it. Ok, cool, but um, I have gone on a few different websites and they are all telling me something different on how to present this.

For instance put the header on the first page. No don't do the header on the first page. Chapters should be in Bold. Oh no they shouldn't!

I'm so confused. Is there a site that has the right way. Or is there no real right way and its like a resume where little changes are OK here and there?

[Divia]

Ok, this is more confusing than I thought.

Courier font? Times New Roman? OMG. Well I know 12 font is the way to go.

[Elizabeth]

I don't think there's any particular "right" way--many of the so-called rules date from the days of typewriters.

I think the main thing is to double-space, for readability and to give the agent space to make notes if she prints it out. I use Times for my manuscripts. Lots of people use Courier or Arial. Just pick something straightforward and readable. You're right about the 12-point. Probably one-inch margins all around. I start my individual chapters halfway down the page and center the headings, but many people don't.

Just make it clean-looking and easy to read.

ETA: If the agent himself/herself has specifications, of course follow them.

[SarahWoodbury]

I second what Elizabeth said. Each page should have a page number, your name, and the title of the book in the footer.

[Julianne Douglas]

I third. As long as it's readable and consistent, I doubt it matters. And if it's flippin' awesome, an agent won't care if it's written in crayon on napkins.

BTW, congrats on finishing and good luck!