Guidelines Are Meant To Be Followed

I listened as Patricia LaVigne told how being the contest co-ordinator had been a learning experience for her. Her emphasis was those entries that hadn’t included page numbering of any kind. Our brochure included guidelines yet some entries had disregarded them.

Perhaps this blog is where we can help new writers and wanna-bes understand the importance of following guidelines. If you’re writing for yourself or family and friends, the guidelines are not important. But if your fondest wish is to see your writing published, then entering contests is a good place to learn the importance of guidelines. Learn the rules and follow them. Here are a few:

All manuscripts should be typed on 8 ½ X 11 white paper with one-inch margins on all sides. Lines on the paper should be doubled spaced. This is to make it easy for the editor to make notations when they are considering accepting a submitted piece. Most editors prefer the following fonts: Times New Roman, New Courier and Ariel, in that order. Every manuscript should include a header that contains name of piece, page number and author’s name. Most contests ask that you exclude your name on everything but the cover page. One reason to read and follow guidelines. All of these features are part of every Word program in the computer. Take the time to get acquainted with your equipment and use them.

Electronic submitting has made some changes in editorial preferences. You may notice this piece does not have the five-space indent to indicate the beginning of a paragraph. Instead a space is used to denote a new paragraph. Some publishers prefer the submitted manuscript be posted within the body of the email; others accept it as an attachment. That makes it important that you learn the guidelines and preferences of every publication where you’re considering submitting your work. An up-to-date version of Writer’s Market is an invaluable tool for all writers seeking publication.

Success as a published writer depends of achieving a degree of professionalism. The ability to produce good writing is not enough. Learning the tools of your craft and incorporating them are solid steps to becoming a successful writer.

Gay Ingram www.freewebs.com/gayingram/