Preparing your manuscript

As detailed formatting of the text will be performed during the editing and typesetting stage, please only apply very basic formatting.

General points

  • Keep all formatting as minimal as possible.
  • Use single spacing.
  • Use one column only and left align.
  • Do not use the carriage return (enter) at the end of lines within a paragraph; always allow Word to turn the line over.
  • Use the (enter) key twice to indicate new paragraphs rather than indenting (as in this text).
  • Avoid all automatic formatting of text such as numbering, lists, headers, footers and endnotes. Footnotes should be indicated as separate numbered paragraphs at the end of each chapter with a heading at the start of the footnote [start footnote *] and at the end of the footnote [end footnote *]. Use *, **, etc. to number any footnotes in the text and present together at the end of the file. Avoid footnotes; take them into the text if at all possible.
  • Do not include any embedded fields, such as endnotes, in the text. If you use a program such as Reference Manager, please ensure that you strip out all fields and formatting associated with this program before submitting your manuscript.

Headings

Range headings with the left-hand margin and do not centre them on the page

Indicate the hierarchy of headings clearly. The use of headings to break up the text is encouraged. If necessary, use up to three levels of heading, which should either be labelled A, B and C or be differentiated by consistent and simple formatting.

Spelling, style and punctuation

See the RCOG Instructions for authors. We have also written a more detailed guide, Writing for the RCOG, which gives additional information. Please contact us if you need any further help.

Lists

Decide whether the list should be bulleted (the items in the list have no particular order) or numbered (e.g. steps in a procedure which must be followed in order, or item 1 is more important than item 2, etc.). Range lists with the left-hand margin and indent any subentries.

Tables

See Preparing tables.

Figures

See Preparing figures.

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