The following guidelines provide information on how you should format your work for workshop submission. For each file name, please follow the format FirstLast_TITLE_Type (i.e. JohnDoe_REALLYGREATBOOKTITLE_Excerpt).

Manuscript Excerpt

1. Word Limit

• Submit only the opening words of your manuscript. Your excerpt length will depend on the workshop you’re registered for. Entries exceeding this limit will not be considered.

2. Formatting Requirements

• Font: Use Times New Roman, 12-point size.

• Margins: Set margins to 1 inch (2.5 cm) on all sides.

• Line Spacing: Double-space all lines.

• Paragraph Indentation: Indent the first line of each paragraph by half an inch (1.25 cm).

3. Content Guidelines

• Originality: Your submission must be entirely your own work and must not include any content generated by artificial intelligence (AI).

• Trigger Warnings: If your manuscript contains themes or content that may be triggering (e.g., violence, abuse, explicit language), please include a list of applicable trigger warnings at the beginning of your manuscript.

4. Proofreading

• While we understand that no manuscript is perfect, please proofread your work before submitting. Multiple spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors can distract from the narrative and impact the overall impression of your manuscript.

Synopsis

1. Presentation

• Font: Use an eye-friendly font such as Times New Roman or Arial, size 12-point.

• Format: The synopsis should be formatted neatly, making it easy for the reader to follow. Use standard text formatting without any elaborate styles or colors.

2. Length

• Your synopsis should ideally fit on one page (no more than 850 words).

3. Writing Style

• Tense: Write the synopsis in the present tense.

• Perspective: It should be narrated from a third-person omniscient point of view. This perspective allows you to provide a comprehensive overview of the plot and characters without attaching the narrative to a specific character's viewpoint.

4. Content

• Outline the main plot points, including the beginning, middle, and end of the story, showing the progression and resolution of major conflicts.

• Describe the development of key characters and their roles in the narrative.

• Highlight significant themes or messages that are central to the story.

• Include spoilers! The synopsis should tell the reader all the major plot points.