Manuscript Preparation, Copyediting, and Proofreading

A. For most of the twentieth century, typewriters ensured that manuscripts were typically prepared in a fixed-width typeface resembling, for example, Courier New. (A typeface is a collection of all the characters—letters, numbers, etc.—and styles—roman, italic, boldface, etc.—of a given design of type like Courier New or Caslon; such typefaces are, however, often spoken of as fonts.) Lots of people became used to reading such typewritten manuscripts. As word processors and computer-generated printouts began to take over, it became possible to use proportional typefaces like Times New Roman. Today, many word processors can produce type that approaches the quality of published materials, and fonts like Times New Roman have become dominant. But because some people still prefer a typewriter-style font, it’s best to ask your publisher. Whatever you choose, avoid overly stylized fonts, and, if possible, stick to one typeface.

[This answer relies on the 17th edition of CMOS (2017) unless otherwise noted.]

A. The Chicago Manual of Style has general guidelines for manuscript preparation. See chapter 2, which includes an extensive discussion of this topic.

But you should check with your publisher for any other requirements specific to that press.

[This answer relies on the 17th edition of CMOS (2017) unless otherwise noted.]

A. The Chicago Manual of Style does not include guidelines for submitting manuscripts of works of fiction. Following a long tradition, the manual provides guidelines for editing and writing and publishing works of nonfiction. Most of our rules on punctuation and capitalization apply to all writing, and we do include recommendations for styling such things as direct and indirect discourse, but the “nuts and bolts” information about publishing and editing is primarily geared toward nonfiction articles and books.

[This answer relies on the 17th edition of CMOS (2017) unless otherwise noted.]