Whether you're submitting to writing contests or magazines, there are a few mistakes many people make that can be easily avoided.

The biggest issue is the writer not following guidelines provided by the contest or publication. Always check around for the guidelines. If they don't have any, follow Standard Manuscript Format. William Shunn has an easy to follow overview.

Here are some specifics often done wrong:

1. Font
You should use 12 point font in Times New Roman or Courier unless the guidelines ask you to do something different. Everything in the document should be the same font, including your title and byline.

2. Technicalities
Use 1" margins all the way around, be sure it's left-justified, and only put one space after periods. You can get to margins by going to "Page Layout" < "Margins." To left-justify, look for the symbols at the top of your document that have a series of lines. Choose the one that has the lines lined up on the left, ragged on the right.

3. First Page
The first page is not just the first page of your manuscript - it should also convey certain information. Put a header on the top left of the first page with your name, address, email address, and phone number. On the top right, provide a rounded total word count for your submission. Include the title and your byline about half-way down the page, centered. Leave two spaces between the byline and the first sentence of your manuscript.

4. Indents & Spacing
The first sentence of each paragraph should be indented, there should be no extra spaces between paragraphs, and it should be double spaced throughout.

To indent, you can either use the tab button, or go to "Paragraph" < "Indentation" < "Special" < "First Line." Set it to .5".

To remove extra spaces between paragraphs, go to "Paragraph" < "Spacing" check the box next to "Don't add space between paragraphs of the same style." You can also find the option for double spacing under "Spacing" < "Line Spacing" < "Double."

5. Page Numbering
The page number should appear on the top right of each page except for the first page. With the page number, you should have your last name and either the whole title of your work (if it's short) or an important word or two from it. To set the page numbers, go to "Insert" < "Page Numbers." Format from there.

To make sure it starts numbering on the second page, not the first, double-click on the header area of the document. "Header and Footer" tools will appear above your document. Click the box next to "Different First Page."

These are just some of the basics. You'll want to look up Standard Manuscript Formatting for more thorough information. If there are guidelines listed for that contest or publication that differ from SMF, follow their guidelines for that particular submission.

Good luck with your contest entries and submissions! Remember, always check their guidelines first then go from there.

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