Oh the Formatting

I must confess to you, making the necessary changes to my first novel so it matches the format needed by the publisher is difficult. Yes, I'm still waiting for a response from them. I say, still, but in all actuality it hasn't been that long and I do need to be patient. With that said, however, I want the novel to be as close as possible to their format now so I'm not burning the midnight oil when they do request the full manuscript. That last sentence read rather cocky but it is meant to be confidence.

What went wrong? Why am I reworking the manuscript and more importantly what can we learn from this? I believe there are things we can do before we write the first word that will pay off in a major way down the road. First, write in an easy to read font such as Times New Roman. Next, and this is a little trickier, make sure your formatting is uniform throughout the entire manuscript. It is surprising how quickly that can change. I don't know about you but when I write a first draft it is usually double spaces so I have room to make notes and changes between the lines. This is just fine as long as we realize that most agents and publishers will want it single spaced. I am experimenting now with my second novel. I want to see if I can make my notes and edits while it is single spaced thereby deleting a future adjustment.

Margins can be a problem area as well. Agents and publishers will want something different for this setting but, in my opinion, they should not be less then one inch on all four sides. This should get us very close should an adjustment be needed and the manuscript will not look unbalanced. This is a great example of making sure the formatting is the same throughout the manuscript. If so then this is a relatively simple change to make in Microsoft Word.

I'm still working out how to simplify changing the tabs for a manuscript. Most of the time they are set to a half inch but there are those few times when we will be asked for more or less tab.

Have you ever been writing and finish up one chapter and start another about midway down the page? This can be fixed by inserting a page break. I know, this is all pretty straight forward but when we get writing these are steps we easily overlook. By inserting this page break we keep the chapter and title at the top of the following page.

Another tricky one is font size and boldness. I'm not sure there is a way to anticipate this but if we keep the chapters and the title of the manuscript apart from the text, with a few spaces in between, then we should be able to change these quickly as well.

I need to insert scene breaks and that should be fun.

If we think about these things before we write and prepare for them then we should have a smooth transition from working version to submittal ready. The main thing I learned through this experience is to plan a little before jumping in and running full speed.

I have a long way yet to travel down this road of writing but I'm getting there one step at a time.

In Reflection

Many of you may now from Tweeter that today is my birthday. I enjoy reflecting on the past twelve months before making goals for the coming year. Today, while working, I did just that. However, this article is not about what has been or what will be but instead, what is.

My 33rd year has been great and I have many to thank for that. The blessings have been overflowing. I can only shake my head when thinking about all the things that have come and gone in twelve months. I am amazed, proud and thankful for everything. I can only hope that my 34th year is as good.

It is my birthday but I want to send a big thank you out to all of you. It has been a joy sharing thoughts, ideas and information with everyone this year. I continue to learn and grow through your comments and e-mails. We really do have a community full of people willing to lend a hand and offer support here. I would not have it any other way.

Thank you very much for walking with me down the road of a writer's life. I look forward to our travels in the months ahead.

Career Vs Calling - A Review

Title: Final Approach - Career vs Calling
Author: Franklin Shelton Jr.
ISBN: 978-0-578-03939-8
Genre: Religious/Inspirational
Pages: 115
Reviewed By: Brian Knight
Official Premium Promotional Services Rating:



Which way to go when at the crossroads of career versus calling?

Christian Frank has led a life blessed from above but now he finds his life at a crossroads. For many this situation may ring true — which way do you go? Frank’s inspirational tale may help with that decision.

“Final Approach - Career vs Calling” illustrates the conflict endured in adult life as we struggle with our decision to work that career job or follow our destiny by listening to the calling. The story of Christian Frank addresses the need to sustain life here and the desire to do that which the Lord has called us to do. After reading “Final Approach - Career vs Calling” the reader will feel inspired to lean on their faith in order to make that all important decision.

Christian Frank is a man with a mission. At an early age he discovered his talent to reach people and help them through conversation. As Frank grew he developed goals for his life but always held true to his Christian values. From the steps of the U.S. Capital building to a stage in Alabama we see the influence on his life and the impact he has on others. His mission is simple, share the good news of Christ and motivate others to walk with the Lord. As proud and productive as he is on this mission he cannot help but ponder the offer of a new job with benefits and high pay. Now Christian Frank must decide – should he follow his calling or take the stable, easy way out?

In essence, you get a bird’s eye view of Christian Frank’s life in “Final Approach - Career vs Calling.” From this vantage point you can see what drives him to do what he does and the reasoning for the decisions made. Through this account you can draw inspiration and motivation to utilize in your life.

Mentally, physically, and emotionally, the reader will have a different perspective when facing life changing decisions. They will be prepared to answer the age old question: why am I here? What is the reason for my existence?

“Final Approach Career vs Calling” is meant for those who find themselves struggling to make those life changing decisions. Career or calling, which will you choose?

To learn more about this author and the book you can by clicking the title of this post or by following these links:
Frank Shelton.com
Amazon.com