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A Young Woman Writing

Manuscript Preparation Guidelines for Prospective Authors

​Preparing your manuscript professionally increases the chances of it being seriously considered by Franklin Pearson.

 

Please follow these preparation guidelines before submitting your work.

 
General Formatting

  • File Format: Save your manuscript as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx) or PDF, unless otherwise specified by the publisher.

  • Font: Use a standard, easy-to-read font such as Book Antigua or Times New Roman, 12-point size.•Spacing: Double-space the entire manuscript, including block quotes and dialogue.

  • Margins: Use 1-inch margins on all sides.•

  • Alignment: Left-align the text; do not justify.

  • Page Numbers: Number all pages consecutively in the top right corner or bottom center.•

  • Header: Include your last name and the manuscript title (or a shortened version) in the header of each page.

 

Title Page
Your title page should include:

  • Full manuscript title

  • Your full name (or pen name, if applicable)

  • Contact information (email, phone number, mailing address)

  • Word count (rounded to the nearest hundred)

  • Genre and intended audience

 

Front Matter (Optional but Recommended)
Include the following:

  • Dedication (if applicable)

  • Epigraph (optional quote or excerpt)

  • Table of Contents (for non-fiction or structured works)

 

Chapters and Sections

  • Start each chapter on a new page.

  • Clearly label chapters with titles or numbers (e.g., Chapter 1: The Journey Begins).

  • Avoid elaborate formatting; keep headings simple and consistent.

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Dialogue and Punctuation

  • Use proper punctuation and formatting for dialogue.

  • Ensure consistency in voice, tense, and style throughout the manuscript.

  • Use standard quotation marks (“ ”) and em dashes (—) rather than hyphens or other substitutes.

 

Proofreading and Editing
  • Carefully proofread your manuscript for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
  • Ensure consistency in formatting, names, timelines, and voice.
  • If possible, have your manuscript reviewed by a trusted peer, editor, or critique group before submitting.
 
File Naming Convention
  • Use a clear and professional filename such as:
  • Lastname_Title_Genre.docx
  • Example: Smith_ShadowOfTheEmpire_HistoricalFiction.docx
 
Additional Materials to Prepare
 
While not part of the manuscript, Franklin Pearson requires accompanying materials, such as:•A query letter
  • A synopsis
  • A brief author bio
  • Marketing ideas (for non-fiction or self-promotion-heavy genres)
 
NOTE:
 
Be sure to carefully check the specific submission guidelines. By preparing your manuscript according to these guidelines, you demonstrate professionalism and respect for the editor’s time — two essential qualities in today’s publishing environment.
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