Agents and publishers read thousands of submissions. They expect manuscripts to follow a very specific, very boring standard format that's surprisingly tough to get right. And when you don't? Often, it means instant rejection.
This easy-to-use, do-it-yourself manuscript formatting kit for MS Word removes the uncertainty, eliminates the frustration, and lets your work speak for itself—without formatting getting in the way.
It includes a fully pre-formatted, agent-standard manuscript template for Microsoft Word, plus clear instructions on how to use it and an interactive PDF final checklist—so you can submit with confidence, knowing your manuscript meets professional expectations.
Pre-loaded with a title page and custom styles to eliminate guesswork, it's perfect for authors of all types who want to skip expensive professional formatting while still attaining a professional result.
Writers preparing to query literary agents or publishers
Authors submitting to contests, presses, or fellowships
Anyone who wants to be sure their manuscript looks professional and submission-ready or create a clean foundation prior to book formatting for self-publishing
Best of all, you don’t need to be tech-savvy. If you can use Word, you can use this template!
Professional formatting can cost hundreds of dollars, but this easy-to-use, do-it-yourself formatting kit can be used over and over.
1. Submission-Ready Word Manuscript Template
Correct margins, font, spacing, and layout
A title page laid out with what to write and where
Proper header and page numbering (not on the title page)
Chapters start in the right place
Scene breaks formatted correctly
Built-in custom styles that keep everything consistent
2. Clear Author Instructions
How to access and use styles in Word
Which style to use where (chapter starts, body text, scene breaks)
How to keep formatting intact as you write
Clear guidance without jargon or overwhelm
3. Final Submission Checklist
A simple, step-by-step list to review before querying
Covers the formatting details agents actually expect
Helps you catch easy mistakes before you hit send
Microsoft Word (.docx) template
Literary Manuscript Formatting Checklist PDF
Instructions PDF
Instant digital download
Compatible with Word on Mac and Windows
This is NOT a writing course, query-letter guide, or genre-specific. It's a formatting template that anyone can use for fiction and nonfiction manuscripts, from short story to novel. It's also NOT a publish-ready print book or ebook template; this is for writers who want to submit their work to publishers, agents, contests, literary magazines, and more. However, it's also a great option for prepping your manuscript for a book designer or layout artist prior to print or ebook formatting.
Don't let formatting get in your way!
Agents and publishers read thousands of submissions. They expect manuscripts to follow a very specific, very boring standard format that's surprisingly tough to get right. And when you don't? Often, it means instant rejection.
This easy-to-use, do-it-yourself manuscript formatting kit for MS Word removes the uncertainty, eliminates the frustration, and lets your work speak for itself—without formatting getting in the way.
It includes a fully pre-formatted, agent-standard manuscript template for Microsoft Word, plus clear instructions on how to use it and an interactive PDF final checklist—so you can submit with confidence, knowing your manuscript meets professional expectations.
Pre-loaded with a title page and custom styles to eliminate guesswork, it's perfect for authors of all types who want to skip expensive professional formatting while still attaining a professional result.
Writers preparing to query literary agents or publishers
Authors submitting to contests, presses, or fellowships
Anyone who wants to be sure their manuscript looks professional and submission-ready or create a clean foundation prior to book formatting for self-publishing
Best of all, you don’t need to be tech-savvy. If you can use Word, you can use this template!
Professional formatting can cost hundreds of dollars, but this easy-to-use, do-it-yourself formatting kit can be used over and over.
1. Submission-Ready Word Manuscript Template
Correct margins, font, spacing, and layout
A title page laid out with what to write and where
Proper header and page numbering (not on the title page)
Chapters start in the right place
Scene breaks formatted correctly
Built-in custom styles that keep everything consistent
2. Clear Author Instructions
How to access and use styles in Word
Which style to use where (chapter starts, body text, scene breaks)
How to keep formatting intact as you write
Clear guidance without jargon or overwhelm
3. Final Submission Checklist
A simple, step-by-step list to review before querying
Covers the formatting details agents actually expect
Helps you catch easy mistakes before you hit send
Microsoft Word (.docx) template
Literary Manuscript Formatting Checklist PDF
Instructions PDF
Instant digital download
Compatible with Word on Mac and Windows
This is NOT a writing course, query-letter guide, or genre-specific. It's a formatting template that anyone can use for fiction and nonfiction manuscripts, from short story to novel. It's also NOT a publish-ready print book or ebook template; this is for writers who want to submit their work to publishers, agents, contests, literary magazines, and more. However, it's also a great option for prepping your manuscript for a book designer or layout artist prior to print or ebook formatting.
Don't let formatting get in your way!
