Hey everyone! I’m currently working on my first novel using Google Docs and I’m wondering about the best way to format it. What font styles and sizes do you recommend for writing a book? I want to make sure I set it up properly from the start so I don’t have to go back and change everything later. I’ve been using Times New Roman 12pt but I’m not sure if that’s the best choice. Any advice on spacing, margins, or other formatting tips would be really helpful. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
I switched to Courier New for my second manuscript after using Times New Roman. The monospace font makes word counting way easier and helps spot formatting issues. Standard manuscript format is 12pt Courier New, double-spaced, with one-inch margins all around. This gives you about 250 words per page - exactly what agents and publishers expect. I learned this after submitting my first draft in Times New Roman and getting told it looked unprofessional. Don’t forget to indent paragraphs 0.5 inches instead of block formatting. Google Docs works great once you set up the default paragraph style right.
After finishing three novels in Google Docs, I’d stick with Times New Roman 12pt while you’re writing. It’s way easier on the eyes during long sessions than Courier New, which feels cramped on screen. You can convert to manuscript format later when you’re ready to submit. Focus on consistency during drafts - I use 1.15 line spacing (more readable than single, not as spaced as double), standard margins, and auto paragraph indentation. Enable the outline feature too since it’s a lifesaver for navigating longer manuscripts. Make the writing process comfortable instead of stressing about submission formatting early on.
yo Times New Roman is solid! 12pt is what most peeps use. def go for double spacing and keep those margins at 1 inch. ur good to go!