To Indent or Not to Indent?

[Nia]

So, I've been reading this book, and I don't know why it just clicked that when there's a new chapter or a line skip (break in the chapter), there is no indent on the first paragraph. I'm unsure if the same rule follows for manuscripts too. Everywhere I look online is telling me different things. I don't know if it's a big enough deal to get my manuscript turned away, but I'd honestly like to know. Does anyone know how it works for manuscripts? Are we supposed to indent all the time, or is the first paragraph of a chapter and chapter breaks the exception?

[V.M.]

I just checked on one of my published books. The beginning of each chapter has a dropped capital, but no indent after a line break.
I sent it to the publisher as a .doc manuscipt, with each new paragraph indented and they did the changes when they formatted it.
If you are sending it to a publisher, I wouldn't worry about it as they'll sort that out. It shouldn't be enough to turn it away. They are looking for a good, well-written story. If, however, you wish to self-publish, you should get it professionally formatted.

[Bob]

Nia wrote: "So, I've been reading this book, and I don't know why it just clicked that when there's a new chapter or a line skip (break in the chapter), there is no indent on the first paragraph. I'm unsure if..."

VM is right. Things like this are bread and butter to proof readers and publishers. I trust these guys to look through such minor things. But if you contract for a package that doesn't provide for proof-reading or formatting, you should satisfy yourself before submitting the final draft. Start by scanning your own bookshelf.

[Nia]

Thank you both! I do plan to send it to a publisher so I'll lookout in the contract that provides formatting and such.

[J.R.]

In most published novels I've read, the first line after a scene break is not indented. But I've seen novels that do indent.

Also, keep in mind that how you format a manuscript and how you format a published book are not necessarily the same. When I send my novels off to be edited, I indent all paragraphs, double space, and use 12-point TNR regular font except for chapter titles which are 18-point bold. I also add *** to make clear where the scene breaks are. When I format my books, nearly all of those things change.

Really, I can't imagine an agent or publisher reading and liking a manuscript but rejecting it because the author did or didn't indent after scene breaks. I would just choose one way of doing it and be consistent.

[Benjamin]

wondering now if MLA or APA has a standard on this kind of formatting

[Nia]

J.R. wrote: "In most published novels I've read, the first line after a scene break is not indented. But I've seen novels that do indent.

Also, keep in mind that how you format a manuscript and how you format..."

This is very similar to what I do, everything is indented and double spaced, 12-sized font TNR. I'd like to think it isn't a big deal either as long as it's consistent. Thank you!

[Nia]

Benjamin wrote: "wondering now if MLA or APA has a standard on this kind of formatting"

I've heard that for things like essays and research papers they do, but as far as fictional manuscripts go, I have no clue.

[Dienekes]

MLA and APA might be useful for a nonfiction book but I don't think they are designed offer much that's useful for formatting a novel manuscript.

I agree with the advice to just be consistent.