In order to expedite your work to our staff, we ask that you use the formatting held within this Word file as your guide. We accept manuscripts as Microsoft Word DOC or DOCX files. Given the different formats we utilize, the rule of thumb is the simpler the formatting the better off everyone is. We ask that you do not utilize some of the standard formatting options available in MS Word. Many of these stock formatting conventions will have to be eliminated during certain phases of the publication process and will delay the process. For example, we asked that when using bullet points, you use an asterisk instead of Word’s automatic bullet point function. By way of example, here are some other things to stay away from when submitting your manuscript:

* Do not embed photos, charts, tables, Excel files, or auto shapes in your manuscript. If these elements are necessary, they will be included in a later phase of publication.

* Only use the “Normal” formatting selection when using MS Word 2010.

* Do not utilize Word’s automatic footnote or end-note function in your final draft. We request that any citations are in an end-note MLA format. Please use only reputable sources. Sources from populist written encyclopedias and other non-authoritative sources will not be accepted in any publication.

* Do not use the highlight text feature or change the color of text. Simple black will do just fine.

* Do not use the page numbering feature when preparing your final draft.

* Do not bookmark any section or chapter headings auto-formatting.

* Do not use the Tab key under any circumstance. Indent paragraphs using the ruler indents.

* Do not use the section or page break functions. These conventions will likely change during the layout process.

*Do not embed any hypertext links within your final draft. Use the following convention when you feel that a link is necessary in your work:

My publisher is Grave Distractions Publications ( http://www.gravedistractions.com )

*Keep the use of italics and bold type at a minimum within the body of your text. Our feeling is that if you need italics or bold type to make your statement, you should consider revising your text. If the reader needs a typographical signpost to understand a particular statement requires emphasis, you may want to rethink the wording of your statement.

*Do not create multiple columns of text within your final draft. If columns are necessary, they will be included in another phase of publication.

*Should you have any specialized formatting requests, please include them using the following convention centered on the line below the request.  For example:

(Insert photo titled Uncle Bob above here)

Parts, Chapters, and Subheadings

All of your body text should be in 12 point Garamond. All divisions of text should include a line above and below the heading. All headings should be centered and use the following font sizes/formatting:

 Parts: 16 Point Garamond

Chapters: 14 Point Garamond

Subheadings: 12 Point Garamond Bold

Send your manuscript to info@gravedistractions.com with “Submission” in the subject line. Please include a description of your book that is no longer than 350 words. Any work of fiction that is less than 60,000 words will not be considered as a stand alone piece. We will consider all submissions and return our decision as quickly as possible.