Manuscript formatting refers to the specific guidelines authors follow when preparing their written work for submission to publishers or literary agents. This includes aspects such as font type, size, line spacing, and margin settings. Commonly, manuscripts are formatted in 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides. Proper formatting ensures that the manuscript is easy to read and presents a professional appearance. It often includes additional elements like page numbers, a title page, and headers. Adhering to these standards can significantly impact the chances of a manuscript being accepted for publication.