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.