Manuscript Format
May 2, 2022 16:40:59 GMT -6
Post by RAVENEYE on May 2, 2022 16:40:59 GMT -6
Do we have a post dedicated to formatting manuscripts? We used to, and I thought we did on the new forum, but it must be tucked in some other thread.
Anyway, these days, manuscript formats seem to be less important than when stories were sent via paper copy and passed under the eyes and skills of a typesetter. Many magazines don't require much in the way of format requirements other than a file be sent as a certain type. But I've noticed that some of the bigger, more established, more elite magazines still want manuscripts sent to them in Standard MS Format (SMF).
Interestingly, I ran across a magazine just today that requested Modern Manuscript Format (MMF). Thankfully, the magazine included a link that led to a site that demonstrated both SMF and MMF. The main difference, at a glance, is the font. Courier vs Times New Roman. The other obvious difference is how italics are handled. Underline vs actual italics.
The reason the latter still matters is whether the copy-paste process strips the italics from the manuscript. I learned this when creating our first issue of The Compendium. It's all about ease of formatting and avoiding eye strain and headaches. It really does matter when you're on the receiving end of a manuscript.
So here is the link to this useful site:
Classic MS Format & Modern MS Format
Just a heads-up. I will be requesting Modern MS Format for future Compendium submissions, so it won't hurt to know it and use it in the meantime.
Anyway, these days, manuscript formats seem to be less important than when stories were sent via paper copy and passed under the eyes and skills of a typesetter. Many magazines don't require much in the way of format requirements other than a file be sent as a certain type. But I've noticed that some of the bigger, more established, more elite magazines still want manuscripts sent to them in Standard MS Format (SMF).
Interestingly, I ran across a magazine just today that requested Modern Manuscript Format (MMF). Thankfully, the magazine included a link that led to a site that demonstrated both SMF and MMF. The main difference, at a glance, is the font. Courier vs Times New Roman. The other obvious difference is how italics are handled. Underline vs actual italics.
The reason the latter still matters is whether the copy-paste process strips the italics from the manuscript. I learned this when creating our first issue of The Compendium. It's all about ease of formatting and avoiding eye strain and headaches. It really does matter when you're on the receiving end of a manuscript.
So here is the link to this useful site:
Classic MS Format & Modern MS Format
Just a heads-up. I will be requesting Modern MS Format for future Compendium submissions, so it won't hurt to know it and use it in the meantime.
You add them to your profile as you do them around the forum.
