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Formatting a Manuscript

Asked by Ray Verola on June 19, 2020

Hi Jerry,
I recently got a new computer with the latest MS Word. I've been using the tab key to indent paragraphs. In the Paragraph section it shows indentation L & R as 0, Under "Special" it shows: First line by 0.5. Under "Spacing" it shows: Before-0, After-8pt.
I've been told that I'm wrong for using the tab key for indents rather than paragraph settings. And that the spacing between paragraphs is off.
I've seen you correct formatting on Manuscript Repair, but when I try what you do on my document, the formatting "goes crazy," with words all over the page. I've got to be doing something wrong.
Can you give me (and those who read your answer), a primer on how to format a manuscript properly in MS Word?
Thanks.

Jerry's Answer

I'd have to show you live, Ray. Pose this question on the next Office Hours and I'll walk you through it.

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