Manuscripts for Novels
A SpooLoo Publishing Group Guide for Storytellers
At SpooLoo Publishing Group (SPG), we believe every powerful book begins long before it reaches a printer or digital shelf. It begins as a manuscript—raw, intentional, and full of possibility.
Whether you’re writing your first novel or refining your fifth, understanding what a manuscript is (and what it isn’t) is a critical step in your publishing journey. This guide walks you through the fundamentals, the standards, and the mindset behind professional novel manuscripts—the SPG way.
What Is a Novel Manuscript?
A novel manuscript is the author’s working document—the space where story, voice, and structure take shape before design and publication.
At SPG, we define a manuscript as:
What it IS
- A clean, editable document (Word or Google Docs)
- The version used for drafting, revising, editing, and submissions
- Focused on story clarity and professional readability
What it is NOT
- A print-ready or illustrated book
- A formatted KDP interior
- A marketing or promotional asset
A manuscript exists to serve the story first—everything else comes later.
Industry-Standard Manuscript Formatting
(Simple. Clean. Professional.)
Unless a publisher or agent specifies otherwise, SPG recommends the following industry-standard format:
Document Setup
- File type: .docx
- Font: Times New Roman
- Font size: 12 pt
- Line spacing: Double-spaced
- Margins: 1 inch (all sides)
- Alignment: Left-aligned
- Paragraphs: First-line indent (0.5”), no extra spacing between paragraphs
Header (Every Page)
Last Name / Short Title / Page #
Title Page Should Include
- Book title
- Author name
- Approximate word count
- Genre
- Contact email
This page is functional—not decorative.
Standard Manuscript Structure
A professionally prepared manuscript follows a clear, predictable structure:
- Title Page
- Main Story
- Chapters begin on new pages
- Chapter titles or numbers are centered
- Optional End Matter
- Author’s note or acknowledgments (often added later)
At SPG, we recommend keeping end matter minimal until publication prep begins.
Chapter Formatting (SPG-Approved Example)
CHAPTER ONE
The rain fell harder than it should have for midsummer.
- No stylized fonts
- No images or graphics
- Scene breaks shown with a centered symbol:
*
or
# # #
This keeps editors, agents, and collaborators focused on the narrative—not the layout.
Word Count Guidelines by Genre
While creativity has no hard limits, these ranges help align expectations:
| Genre | Typical Word Count |
|---|---|
| Literary Fiction | 70,000–90,000 |
| Fantasy | 90,000–120,000 |
| Young Adult (YA) | 60,000–90,000 |
| Middle Grade (MG) | 40,000–65,000 |
| Romance | 70,000–100,000 |
| Science Fiction | 80,000–110,000 |
SPG encourages writers to treat these as guides, not constraints.
Manuscript vs. Published Book
One of the most common points of confusion for new authors is the difference between a manuscript and a finished book.
| Manuscript | Published Book |
|---|---|
| Double-spaced | Single-spaced |
| Plain font | Designed fonts |
| Editable | Locked (PDF/EPUB) |
| No layout design | Full interior layout |
| For editors & agents | For readers |
Your manuscript is the foundation—design is a later phase.
When Is Your Manuscript Ready?
At SpooLoo Publishing Group, we consider a manuscript “ready” when:
- Major story revisions are complete
- Character arcs and pacing are intentional
- Grammar and clarity are clean
- Formatting is consistent and simple
- The voice reflects your purpose and audience
Perfection isn’t the goal. Readiness is.
Common Manuscript Mistakes We See
- Decorative fonts or spacing tricks
- Images or illustrations inside the manuscript
- Extra blank lines between paragraphs
- Over-designed chapter headings
- Submitting PDFs when editable files are requested
Clean manuscripts move faster—and are taken more seriously.
The SPG Perspective
A manuscript isn’t about polish—it’s about discipline, clarity, and respect for the craft. When your manuscript is professionally prepared, it signals that you’re ready for the next step in your publishing journey.
At SpooLoo Publishing Group, we support authors from:
- First draft → refined manuscript
- Manuscript → print & ebook interiors
- Story → sustainable creative legacy
If you’re ready to move forward, SPG is ready to walk with you.
Because every great book starts with a manuscript—and a storyteller brave enough to write it.