Properly formatting a children’s fiction picture book manuscript is essential when submitting it to publishers or literary agents. It’s just as important when self-publishing.
Creating a clean, professional layout helps showcase your work and ensures it's taken seriously.
Here’s a guide to the essential formatting steps, complete with examples, to help your manuscript have the best possible chance of finding a home.
1. Proofread and Edit Before getting ahead of yourself and submitting your manuscript, be sure it’s free of grammatical errors, typos, or inconsistencies.
Read it out loud to check for flow, ease of reading, and clarity, especially since children’s books are often read aloud.
2. Choose the Right Document Format Most publishers and agents prefer manuscripts in standard word processing formats like Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx). Double-check submission guidelines for each publisher, but Word documents are the industry standard for editable files.
3. Use a Clear, Readable Font The font you choose should be clear and easy to read. Standard fonts like Times New Roman (the most popular), Arial, or Courier in 12-point size are widely accepted.
Examples (in 12-point size):
4. Spacing and Justification Double-spacing the manuscript makes it easier for editors or agents to read and leave comments. Also, there is only one space between sentences.
In Word, you can set the line spacing by going to the Home tab, clicking the Line Spacing button, and choosing Double.
Your manuscript should have left justification. And each paragraph should be indented. To automatically indent each paragraph, go to Paragraph, Special, then choose First Line from the drop-down menu. Be sure to click OK to save it.
5. Set the Margins
Your document should have 1” margins all around.
6. Include a Cover Page The title page is crucial, as it introduces your manuscript to the agent or editor. It should include: • The title of your book • Your name (or pen name) • Your contact information (email, phone number, address) • Intended age group • Word count (The word count of your manuscript is typically, children’s picture books are 500-700 words.)
Here's an example:
The Case of the Slimy Goo Written by Karen Cioffi Email address Phone number Address
Word Count: 650 words Intended age group: 4-8
There are other ways to format the cover page. You might do a search.
7. Paginate Your Manuscript Each page of your manuscript should be numbered, beginning after the title page. Page numbers help editors refer to specific parts of your story.
You will also want to include your last name in the Header, along with the page number.
In Microsoft Word, you can add page numbers by clicking the Insert tab selecting Header. You’ll get a drop-down menu with header options; choose one that will allow for pages and text (your name).
I haven’t found a Word Header that specifically shows the number and author name (or other text), so I start typing my name just to the left of the number. This works.
Begin the numbering after your title page.
8. Divide the Story Into Pages or Not Do not divide your picture book manuscript into pages. Simply submit it as a story.
9. Illustration Notes (Optional) Though the illustrator typically decides how to visually convey the story, you may include illustration notes if you have a specific vision that’s crucial to the plot.
These notes should be brief, precise, and placed in brackets. Use them sparingly to avoid over-directing the artist.
Example of an Illustration Note: [Illustration Note: Character flying high]
10. Save as a PDF or Word Doc While it’s a good idea to save the manuscript in both formats, which format to submit will depend on the agent or publisher’s guidelines. Always, always. always review the guidelines of the literary agency or publishing company and follow them.
Summing It Up Following these steps will help you format your children’s fiction picture book manuscript in a professional and polished way. Always follow individual submission guidelines from agents or publishers, as they may have specific requirements.
A well-formatted manuscript reflects your attention to detail and increases the likelihood of getting your work noticed. Happy writing!
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, editor, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
