[Yjar]

How many spaces are there before each paragraph in a novel? 5? I heard indent wasn't correct. Kind of confused as Google answers vary. :confused:


Thanks,

[Tyler Hawke]

When I used a typewriter (back in the day), it was 5 spaces. Now I use the Tab default on Word. I wasn't aware that it made a difference.

[Jennifer P]

Don't use tab. Use format paragraph. Tabbing to start paragraphs makes editors cry.

I always use the default 'indent by' in format paragraph.

[Laer Carroll]

The exact amount does not matter. Editors only care that the spacing is enough to make it easy for their eyes to skip from paragraph to paragraph. Copy editors will change your choice to the standard specified by the publisher if your work is selected for publication.

Do not use tabs or spaces to get the spacing. In Word use Format -> Paragraph -> Indents and Spacing -> Indentation -> Special. In OpenOffice.org Writer use Format -> Paragraph -> Indents & Spacing -> Indent -> First line.

By using this method you can easily change the spacing if you wish by selecting all the text, make the change, and it will be automatic for everything selected.

I use .3" with 12-point type. Works for me.

[Chris_KW]

Yes, all self-publishing mediums, editors, designers--EVERYONE!--hates tab indents.

I'm sure a lot of writers learn this the hard way.

[Window Bar]

I use .3" with 12-point type. Works for me.

I agree. I used .5" on S.T., and it looks huge when the book is read on an eReader (Nook, Kindle, etc). From now on, it's .3".

Just don't ask me how much I know about formatting for paper-'n-ink.

--WB

[zachariah]

Just in case anyone's reading this and crying into their coffee about removing tab-spaces from their 500-page epic, there are quick ways to do it! (http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/msoffice/how-do-i-delete-all-tab-stops-in-a-word-document/3779)

[Holbrook]

*cough* I use tab, and it never stopped me selling stories or getting an agent. *cough*

[zachariah]

But the saccharin can't be doing you a lot of good...http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/70/Tab_can.jpg/436px-Tab_can.jpg

[MrBF1V3]

*cough* I use tab, and it never stopped me selling stories or getting an agent. *cough*

That's because you're really good, and have been making a name for yourself. The rest of us have to avoid being annoying to editors, publishers or agents until we can get read. (Once I'm on top I'm going to submit manuscripts on black pages with grey printing in a font called Elfont Gohtic.)

B5

(maybe not)