Spencer Lanoue
Formatting a short story in Google Docs might seem straightforward. However, there are a few tricks and tips that can make your document look polished and professional. Whether you're prepping your story for submission or just want it to look its best, I'll walk you through everything you need to know. From setting margins to choosing the right font, we've got you covered.
Choosing the Right Font and Size
Let's kick things off with fonts. This might seem like a minor detail. Choosing the right font can set the tone for your entire story. The general rule of thumb is to stick with something simple and readable. Times New Roman is a classic choice, often preferred by literary magazines and publishers. If you're not a fan, Arial or Calibri are solid alternatives. They're clean and easy on the eyes. This is exactly what you want for your readers.
As for the font size, 12-point is the standard. It's large enough to be readable without feeling overwhelming. You might be tempted to go smaller to fit more on a page. Remember, readability is key. If someone has to squint to read your story, they're probably not going to bother finishing it.
Once you've picked your font and size, you can set it as the default for the entire document. Simply highlight the text, navigate to the 'Format' menu, and select 'Paragraph styles'. From there, clicking 'Normal text' will let you update it to match your selection. This ensures consistency throughout your story and saves you from manually adjusting each paragraph.
Setting Margins and Line Spacing
Next up, let's talk about margins and spacing. The standard for margins is one inch on all sides. This gives your text room to breathe on the page and makes it look cleaner. You can adjust the margins by going to 'File', then 'Page setup'. Here, you can set your margins to one inch for top, bottom, left, and right.
When it comes to line spacing, double-spacing is often recommended for submissions. It makes your text easier to read and leaves room for any notes or edits. To adjust line spacing in Google Docs, highlight your text and click on the 'Line spacing' icon in the toolbar. Select 'Double' from the dropdown menu, and you're all set.
Keep paragraph spacing in mind as well. You don't want your story to feel cluttered, so make sure to add a space between paragraphs. Highlight your text, go to 'Format', then 'Line & paragraph spacing', and select 'Add space after paragraph'. This little step can make a big difference.
Aligning Your Text
Alignment might seem like a no-brainer. It's worth mentioning. For most short stories, left alignment is the way to go. It's the standard for readability and gives your document a neat appearance. Just highlight your text, click on the 'Align' icon in the toolbar, and choose 'Left'.
Sometimes, you might want to center a chapter title or a section break. Center alignment is perfect for this. Just select the text you want to center, click the 'Align' icon, and pick 'Center'. It's simple. It can add a touch of elegance to your document.
One thing to avoid is justified text. While it can look neat, it can also create awkward spacing between words, making your story harder to read. Stick with left alignment, and you'll be in good shape.
Using Headers and Footers
Headers and footers are useful for keeping your document organized, especially if you're dealing with multiple pages. In the header, you might want to include your last name, the title of your story, and the page number. This is especially important if you're submitting your story to a publication or contest.
To add a header in Google Docs, click 'Insert', then 'Headers & footers', and select 'Header'. Type in your information, and you're all set. For page numbers, go back to 'Insert', then 'Page numbers', and choose your preferred style.
Footers can also be handy for adding additional information, like a copyright notice or your contact details. The process is similar: click 'Insert', then 'Headers & footers', and choose 'Footer'. This way, your document looks professional and well-organized.
Utilizing Spell Check and Grammar Tools
Before sharing your short story, it's a good idea to proofread it for any spelling and grammar errors. Google Docs has built-in tools to help with this. Simply click on 'Tools', then 'Spelling and grammar'. You can choose to run a spelling and grammar check on your entire document.
Aside from the built-in tools, I've found that using Spell can be incredibly helpful. It's like having an AI-powered assistant that not only checks for errors but also helps refine your writing. You can highlight text and give it commands to change your document. It saves a lot of time and hassle.
Remember, even the best writers make mistakes. A quick spell check can catch things you might have overlooked, ensuring your story is as polished as possible.
Incorporating Section Breaks and Indents
Section breaks and indents are great for structuring your story. Whether you're switching scenes or changing points of view, section breaks signal to the reader that something is shifting. In Google Docs, you can add a section break by clicking 'Insert', then 'Break', and selecting 'Section break'.
For indents, it's common to indent the first line of each paragraph. This can be done by highlighting your text, clicking on 'Format', then 'Align & indent', and choosing 'Indentation options'. From there, you can set the 'First line indent' to 0.5 inches.
These small formatting touches can enhance the readability of your story and help it flow smoothly. They're easy to implement and make a big difference in the overall presentation.
Adding a Cover Page
If you're submitting your short story, you might need a cover page. This usually includes your name, the title of your story, and your contact information. To create a cover page in Google Docs, you can use a separate page at the beginning of your document.
Simply go to 'Insert', then 'Break', and select 'Page break'. This will give you a blank page to work with. You can center-align your text and type in your details. Make sure to keep it simple and professional. A well-organized cover page can make a great first impression.
Spell can also assist with this. You can easily draft and format a cover page without breaking a sweat. It's like having a design assistant who ensures everything looks just right.
Saving and Sharing Your Document
Once your story is perfectly formatted, you'll want to save and share it. Google Docs automatically saves your work, but it's always good to double-check. You can also download your document in different formats, like PDF or Word, by clicking 'File', then 'Download', and choosing your preferred format.
Sharing is straightforward, too. Click the 'Share' button in the top right corner and enter the email addresses of those you want to share with. You can adjust the sharing settings to allow others to view, comment, or edit your document.
For a more streamlined collaborative experience, Spell offers real-time collaboration, much like Google Docs. It's perfect for getting feedback and making quick changes without the back-and-forth hassle.
Final Thoughts
Formatting a short story in Google Docs doesn't have to be complicated. By choosing the right font, setting proper margins, and utilizing headers, footers, and other tools, you can make your document look professional and polished. And if you're looking to save time, Spell can help you create high-quality documents quickly and easily. So, go ahead and give your story the presentation it deserves!
