quoted in entirety from http://authorlink.mindsay.com
How Do I Prepare My Manuscript?
Appearance

One of the most important elements that will help sell your work to an editor or agent is appearance. Many writers overlook the importance of producing crisp, clean error-free pages, with adequate margins and line spacing. When a manuscript arrives in an editor’s office in poor condition or containing misspelled words, the first impression one leaves is that he or she isn’t serious about the work. Manuscript preparation should be high priority, second only to crafting your story. This does not mean you need to “typeset” your work. In fact, fancy fonts and attempts to “design” the work will assure a quick rejections letter. Simply be sure that your manuscript has a professional appearance.

Format for Text Pages

+ Margins, top and bottom of each page: 1”
+ Margins, left and right of each page: 1”
+ Header and Footer: 0.5 “each
+ Font (typ
e) Times New Roman or Courier
+ Font (type) Size: 12 point (not 10 point)
+ Line Spacing: Always double space the work itself; proposals and queries can be single spaced.

I hope this helps!

Chrisy Long
Editorial Assistant/Administrative Staff
Authorlink.com