Settings for Novel.

Question

Settings for Novel.

I've made my living as as television writer and have only used Final Draft in the past. I have a script that just will not work as a screenplay and have decided that I want to take a stab at writing it as a novel. However, I've been been debating word vs. pages. I don't know if it's an instal issue on my MBP or just a general problem but when I do use word for other purposes it seems to crash... a lot!

So I really want to use pages. With that said: does anyone have the bare-bones page setup guidelines for a typical paperback novel? Font? Size? It appears from some online searches that courier new 12 point seems to be the norm, but I'm not sure what the actual word processor settings should be.

I'm only interested in the settings for the body of text. As far as the chaptering, title pages etc. I'm leaving that up to the editor. I'm just writing the story, they can format it. I know I will have to export to word in the end but while I'm writing I would like the page setup to look similar to an actual book page. Just how when I write tv scripts in Final Draft it's appears in proper format.

If anyone has any input I would appreciate it. Thank you in advance.

macbook pro, Mac OS X (10.6.3)

Posted on May 11, 2010 11:15 AM

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Answer 1

fruhulda

Level 6

15,167 points

May 11, 2010 11:50 AM in response to stephen fischer1

Does it really matter what font setting you have? You can always change it later. Use a font and font size you like while writing. That would I do. The editor will probably have ideas about the body text settings anyway. I read a lot of books and the font and settings differs between the books

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Answer 2

May 11, 2010 12:18 PM in response to fruhulda

well like I said although I'm not concerned with in depth formatting detail because I'm not setting it up for self-publication. I would however like the page design to be somewhat accurate. Just like I wouldn't write a TV script in a plain word document. There appears to be many novel writing software programs on the market but I'm not looking for anything to help me structure my story or keep note cards or character summaries... I just want to know what the typical body margins, font, line spacing, justification etc. is for Novel structure.

Message was edited by: stephen fischer1

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Answer 3

Walt K

Level 4

2,946 points

May 11, 2010 2:06 PM in response to stephen fischer1

In Page Setup, create a custom page size to match the book size you have in mine. In the Document Inspector set the margins to agree with the size you visualize for the text. In the Text Inspector set the line spacing (use "exactly") and After Paragraph spacing. Set your font and pt. size in the Font pane. I’m afraid we can’t tell you exactly what these figures should be, there are too many variations. Find a book you like and measure it.

Walt

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Answer 4

May 11, 2010 7:31 PM in response to Walt K

thanks for the basic set-up info. After doing some more research it looks like there is more style options available in this writing arena. I'm used to only being able to use 12 pt. courier -- scripts wont' even be read if they are in a different font and have specific characteristics. But after researching it looks like different publishers prefer different fonts and whether to use indenting and different requsts for line spacing. So I'll just punch it out like a long document and let the editor worry about the formatting. I just think it will be strange to write a novel that looks like a word or pages document. I suppose because I'm so accustomed to using a formatted system like Final Draft. Thanks to both of you for your answers!

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Answer 5

Walt K

Level 4

2,946 points

May 11, 2010 7:44 PM in response to stephen fischer1

Glad to be of help.

Why not configure your page so that you feel comfortable while writing. When you're finished you can always change it. To be safe, make a duplicate file first.

Caution! Pages does not have auto save. If you're not in the habit of saving regularly, train yourself to type command-S frequently. If you can't do that, there are several auto save options. Do a search on that term.

Walt

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Answer 6

dewshi

Level 1

56 points

May 11, 2010 10:38 PM in response to stephen fischer1

Just like in the film & TV industry, readers in publishing want your manuscript in a format that can be easily read and easily edited. Check out standard manuscript template here:

http://www.sevenoaksdrama.org/downloads/novelFormat.pdf

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Answer 7

Walt K

Level 4

2,946 points

May 11, 2010 11:07 PM in response to stephen fischer1

I just looked at the template suggested by dewshi. He didn’t mention it, but to meet the line criteria of width and word (letter) count, you will need to use a fixed width font such as Courier.

Good luck with getting it right the first time.

Walt

(Don’t sweat the different look from that you’re use to, you’ll get use to it in no time.)

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