Courier is not the only option though. Basically, you need to use a sariff (sp?) font. That is to say, your letters need to have the little footsie things at the bottom rather than being completely straight. An example of a sariff font is courier, another is time new roman (my personal favorite). A non-sariff (and not acceptable font) is ariel.
MOST IMPORTANTLY...THOUROUGHLY READ THE SUMISSION GUIDELINES OF THE VENUE TO WHICH YOU SEND YOUR MANUSCRIPT!!!!
Sometimes they will have special guidelines to follow. If not, just go with the ones I mentioned. I just read Abyss & Apex more closely, for example, and they insist on courier alone and no other. I've even seem some that insist on plain text enbedded in an e-mail message. But generally speaking, any sariff font in 12 point, double spaced, with the author's last name, title, and page number on the top of every page startin with #2.
SFWA has some several articles on their web site about manuscript format, if you're interested.
posted
Actually, it doesn't matter what font you use, as long as it's non-proportional. That means that all the letters and characters take up the same space. My favorite example is Courier New, but it's not the only font you can use. Complex is another. Sorry, Christine, but Times New Roman isn't. I was bummed when I found out.
posted
Times New Roman is one OSC told us was ok to use at boot camp last year, and it's the one I prefer. (BTW it seriff, nit sariff.)
Truth be told, as long as you don't use something totally off the wall, the font probably isn't going to kill your chances. It's not like editors don't end up doing the formatting themselves.
[This message has been edited by Christine (edited May 09, 2004).]
posted
I use Courier New 12pt, and unitl someone tells me otherwise, that's what I'm going to use. I've read too many articles and books that say to use it.
From Amazing Stories: "To be sure your query or ms receives our full consideration, we advise you to adhere closely to our submission guidelines; proofread your work carefully; and use standard letter-size paper and a readable font, such as 12-point Times or Courier."
From Analog: "Manuscripts must be computer-printed or typed, double-spaced, on white paper, one side of the sheet only. Please avoid unusual or very small typefaces. Indent paragraphs but do not leave extra space between them. Please do not put manuscripts in binders or folders. We do not accept e-mail or fax submissions. "
From Assimov's: "Manuscripts submitted to Asimov's must be neatly typed, double-spaced on one side of the sheet only, on bond paper (no erasable paper, please). Any ms. longer than 5 pages should be mailed to us flat. Dot matrix printouts are acceptable only if they are easily readable. Please do NOT send us submissions on disk. When using a word processor, please do not justify the right margin. If sending a printout, separate the sheets first. The ms. should include the title, your name and address, and the number of words in your story. Enclose a cover letter if you like. All manuscripts must be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope (if ms. is over 5 pages, use a 9" x 12" envelope) carrying enough postage to return the ms. If you wish to save on postage, you may submit a clear copy of your story along with a standard (#10) envelope, also self-addressed and stamped. Mark your ms. "DISPOSABLE," and you will receive our reply only. We do not suggest that you have us dispose of your original typescript. If you live overseas or in Canada, use International Reply Coupons for postage, along with a self-addressed envelope. "
From Fantasy and Science Fiction: web site seems to be down...
From Realms of Fantasy: "All submissions must be typed, double-spaced, and accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope large enough to hold your manuscript. Manuscripts not typed and double-spaced will not be considered"
From SCIFICTION: "All stories must be typed, double-spaced, and on only one side of each page. Each page should be numbered and include title and author's last name. The author's full name and address should appear in the upper left-hand corner of page one; an approximate word count should appear in the upper right-hand corner. Do not staple and do not use unusual fonts. All italics must be shown by underlining. "
Anyway, the point is that none of these magzines care what font you use as long as it isn't weird. They want it typed, double-spaced, and with the appropriate header formatting. Other than that, use what you will. The only one who specifically mentioend courier, also said times was fine.
Let's say you decide on Courier 12pt for your manuscript (say other sources have said to use it so you choose it). Does that mean your cover letter should also be in Courier 12pt, as opposed to Times New Roman (which seems more appropriate for a formal letter)? Would it be odd to use a different font for the letter, or would it be odd to use Courier for the letter?
posted
Unless the guidelines say differently, you can't go wrong using 12-point Courier for your manuscript.
As for whether to use Courier for the cover letter if the manuscript is in Courier, I do, but I don't think there would be a problem with using another standard, easily readable font such as Times New Roman. Most of the reasons for using Courier for a manuscript (such as calculation of manuscript size, legibility of faxed or photocopied versions, etc.) are not as relevant to the cover letter.
posted
I'm also in the courier camp. I read somewhere (on the internet, that's as specific as I can get, although it does seem to me that it might possibly have been from some published writer or something) that you should try to make it look as much as possible like you used a typewriter, which courier does. Doesn't make any sense to me, either, but I go with it anyways.
Posts: 1528 | Registered: Dec 2003
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