If every writing session went like yesterday, the book would write itself. A personal record of 1800 words. Output like that verges on Stephen King territory.
In keeping with submission guidelines mentioned on dozens of agent websites, the manuscript required some format adjustments. For those planning on submitting work to agents the near universally – because there is always an exception – accepted format standards are:
1) A 12 point font, usually Times New Roman.
2) 1 inch margins on all sides.
3) Double spaced text.
4) The title, author name and page number atop each page.
The manuscript covered items 2 through 4 but not 1.
My favorite font is Courier New 10 point. It’s proportional and supports roughly 350 words per page – at least within narrative tracts. Dialog snippets vary, as they involve more white space. Such word per page dimensions mirror those found in published fiction. Courier New 10 point gives a real-time estimate of the bound page count. All the more reason to use it, in my opinion.
Of the twenty agent sites checked, however, all said Times New Roman was the way. No mention of Courier New anywhere.
So long, Courier New. Hello, Times New Roman.
With the agents to contact list complete, and the synopsis up to date, the next stop is a query letter revisit.