Get Your Book Ready: A Simple Formatting Checklist for Authors

Before we can publish your story on FictionMe, there are a few important formatting steps you need to take. Clean, consistent formatting not only makes your book easier to read—it also helps us process it faster and present it in the best possible way to your readers.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step checklist to help you polish your manuscript and get it publication-ready.

1. Use Fonts Consistently

For the best reading experience, use easy-to-read fonts like Times New Roman or Arial. Stick to one font style throughout the entire manuscript—mixing fonts can look messy and distract your readers.

2. Format Your Chapter Titles Correctly

Apply a clear heading style (like Heading 1 in Word or Google Docs) to each chapter. Use a consistent, straightforward format:

✅ Correct: Chapter 1 or Chapter 1. Title

❌ Incorrect: CHAPTER 1, Chapter One, Chapter I, or titles without numbers.

If your chapter has a title, separate it from the number with a period.

3. Clean Up Your Text

Keep your manuscript neat by following these simple rules:

• Use a single space after periods.

• Eliminate non-breaking spaces and extra spaces between words.

• Remove unnecessary blank lines between paragraphs.

4. Use Proper Quotation Marks

Always use curly quotation marks (“ ” or ‘ ’) instead of straight ones (" "). Make sure there are no spaces between quotation marks and dialogue.

5. Remove Irrelevant Extras

Take out anything that doesn’t belong in a professional manuscript, such as:

• Images, excessive emojis, or symbols

• Voting requests or promo notes (e.g., “Vote for my book!”)

• Personal contact info (e.g., emails)

However, feel free to include meaningful endnotes, such as a short thank-you note or a note guiding your readers to the next book in the series.

6. Standardize Text Dividers

Use a uniform divider such as *** to indicate:

• Point of view (POV) switches

• Scene or location changes

• Flashbacks or dreams

Avoid using decorative elements like emojis, hearts, dashes, or other symbols.

7. Use Bold and Italics with Purpose

• Use bold for POV headings only.

• Use italics for internal thoughts, text messages, or letters.

Avoid using bold or italics for long passages or entire chapters—it can be hard on the eyes.

8. Watch Out for Duplicate Chapters

Check carefully for repeated chapters or sections. Any duplicates found will be deleted during the review process.

9. Stick to the Recommended Word Count

Each chapter should ideally fall between 1,000 to 5,000 words. This helps maintain pacing and keeps your story easier for readers to follow.

10. Keep Time and Location Indicators Consistent

If you use indicators like Two Years Ago or [NEW YORK CITY], make sure all indicators follow the same formatting style. Don’t mix styles like all CAPS, brackets, and italics. Choose one and be consistent.

11. Clearly Mark Flashbacks

Mark the start of a flashback with [Flashback], and end it with something like [End of flashback], [Present], or [Present Time]. This helps readers easily follow shifts in time.

12. Format POVs Consistently

Choose one clear format for POV headings and use it throughout the story. Examples:

• Mary’s POV

• ALPHA JASON

• Third-Person POV or Author’s POV

If the next chapter continues with the same POV, remember to include the heading again.

Final Thoughts

Formatting might not be the most exciting part of writing, but it’s essential for providing a smooth, professional reading experience.

Be sure to double-check your manuscript before submitting it. The more polished your work is, the faster we can publish it on FictionMe—and the better it will look to your readers.

Have questions? We’re always here to help you make your story shine.