Submission Requirements

You must submit one file in MS Word format. The file name must be your surname (ie. Dostoevsky.docx)

Your file must follow these industry-standard formatting guidelines:

1. Line spacing: 1.5–2
2. 12 pt Times New Roman font
3. Margins: minimum 3 cm all round (Word default margins are fine)
4. Page numbers: consecutive from beginning to end
5. Paragraphing: indent all paragraphs except the first paragraph of a new chapter or section. Only put spaces between paragraphs where you wish to indicate a section break.
6. Left aligned (this means the text on the right edge of the page is ragged)

In one document, you will need to include the following:

• The first 10 pages of your manuscript, maximum 3200 words *
• A one-page synopsis of your work
• A short note about yourself as a writer (maximum 150 words)

For guidance on how to write an effective and concise synopsis, please check out our synopsis writing guide on the Writing NSW website.

*Please note that if your manuscript excerpt exceeds the word limit, it will be truncated at 3200 words before being forwarded to the publishers at HarperCollins or Harlequin. Please respect the time the publishers are dedicating to reading your work by sticking to the industry standard formatting and word limit. Thank you.