what is the proper format for writing a novel in pages?

Hi subhojeetsantra,

My suggestion is to use Paragraph Styles in your first draft.

For example, to make it easy to conform to your publisher's requirements:

• do not use spaces to indent. Use the Ruler and Tabs.
• Do not use the enter key to create space between paragraphs. Use Format Panel > Text > Spacing > Before Paragraph or After Paragraph to make it easy to change later

However, I agree with Peter that your publisher will not accept a Pages document. They will not understand the format.

Good luck with your novel,

Ian.

I'm sorry to come in late on this, but there is a rather specific traditional format for novel manuscripts. Here's one reference, but there are many more online and easily found with a web search:

http://www.scribophile.com/academy/how-to-format-a-novel-manuscript

As to file type, you should export as a .docx file before submitting it to an editor, publisher or literary agent.

I doubt there is a "standard" format for a novel.

General design considerations would be similar to those for any lengthy written work:

• Consider the final form(s) in which your novel will be published.
  Look though some other works published in that form. Ignore the content of these, and pay attention to the forms: Which ones help the eye to follow the text? Which ones make your eyes fight against the forms to follow the text?
• Choose a readable font.
• Avoid 'novelty' fonts (eg. Marker Felt, Comic Sans).
• Choose a readable type size.
• Start with the default margins. You can always change them later.

The format you start with may not be the format you use in the end.

Pages may be fine for writing and editing your novel, but it has (at least) one major fault if you intend to publish your work in a printed book—4.3 (Pages '09) was the last to support layouts with Facing Pages.

Regards,

Barry

A Novel is just words. Make them smart, interesting and spelled correctly.

Formatting done.

You only need worry about the appearance and layout if you are submitting to a Publisher's particular requirements or are going to self publish.

In which case the persons to answer the question will be your Publisher or your Printer and neither will probably want you submitting your tome in .pages

Peter

Hi Richard.

Helpful.

Regards, Ian.