1. Manuscript Guidelines: Preparing Essays and Papers
English Department’s
Manuscript Guidelines:
Preparing Essays and Papers

2. Paper Requirements Use standard size typing paper
(8½ X 11 / lb.) with clean edges
Type or write final drafts in black or blue ink
Use only one side of the paper
Double-space

3. Other requirements Indent paragraphs 5 spaces
Keep corrections neat and to a minimum
Number pages in upper right hand corner preceded by your last name

4. Title Pages
Include name, class/section, date, and instructor’s name in upper left hand corner OR
Include title page (see Lester p. 210 for sample)
See

5. Additional Materials (according to your instructor’s requirements)
Include any additional pages or sections (table of contents, outline, works cited page, appendices)
Include edited rough draft, reader/peer response sheet(s), and any other pre-writing materials
Use folders or manila envelopes

6. Staple or paper clip pages (with final draft on top)
Finishing Touches
Staple or paper clip pages
(with final draft on top)
when turning them in