Should a novel manuscript be justified?

For novels, paragraphs are usually left justified. Right justification or full justification can make the text look a bit odd and might disrupt the reading rhythm. It's the simplicity of left alignment that works best for the narrative style of a novel.

Well, it's not a strict rule. If the style and tone of the short story call for a more formal and organized look, then justification might be appropriate. But if it's a more free-flowing or creative piece, leaving it unjustified could work better.

A novel manuscript should typically have double-spacing, a clear font like Times New Roman or Arial, and one-inch margins on all sides. Headers and page numbers are also common.

In general, it's a good idea to double space a novel manuscript. This makes it easier to read and gives more white space on the page. But always check the specific guidelines of the entity you're submitting to, as some might have different preferences.

Times New Roman is a common choice. It's clear and easy to read.

It really depends on the genre and the publisher's requirements. Some novels can be as short as 50,000 words, while others might go up to 150,000 words or more.

Important quotes or phrases that are key to the theme or message of the novel.

The length of a novel manuscript varies. For a traditional novel, it often falls between 80,000 and 120,000 words. But there are exceptions. Some genres like fantasy or historical fiction might be longer to accommodate detailed world-building and complex plots.

Well, for a novel manuscript submission, it's common to have your pages numbered consecutively. Also, make sure to use a consistent font size and style throughout. Headers and footers might be needed for some publishers, specifying the title and your name. And don't forget to follow the specific guidelines provided by the publisher you're submitting to.

Not necessarily. Numbering lines might be useful if there are specific instructions or if multiple people need to refer to precise locations. However, for most manuscripts, it's not a common practice.