Things I've Learned From Fan Fiction 2: Formatting

Writing is something millions take pleasure in doing. For some it's a hobby while, for others, it's their job. One question I keep seeing is "How do I get more positive reviews?". Or "How do I get more people to read my work?".

Whether writing for print, e-book, or website publication one of the answers is formatting. Pretty much every website will have a formatting style guide. This may be in FAQ's or help section. If it's not, email the help point to ask. There's no such thing as a bad question!

Another way is to take a look at work that's already been published. If it's on a writing website, take a look at popular stories to see how they're laid out. Many will follow a particular formatting style which will have been drawn up by the website. This is not them being picky. It stops the reader having to look at a wall of text. This is a point to remember if you're publishing on a website. Most of the readers will be reading on a shiny screen and massive blocks of text are harder on the eye than ones with breaks between paragraphs. If you want people to read your work online help them to help you by giving their eyes a break!

For example, this is easier to read:

External heat and cold had little influence on Scrooge. No warmth could warm, no wintry weather chill him. No wind that blew was bitterer than he, no falling snow was more intent upon its purpose, no pelting rain less open to entreaty. Foul weather didn't know where to have him. The heaviest rain, and snow, and hail, and sleet could boast of the advantage over him in only one respect. They often 'came down' handsomely, and Scrooge never did.

Nobody ever stopped him in the street to say, with gladsome looks, 'My dear Scrooge, how are you? When will you come to see me?' No beggars implored him to bestow a trifle, no children asked him what it was o'clock, no man or woman ever once in all his life inquired the way to such and such a place, of Scrooge. Even the blind men's dogs appeared to know him; and, when they saw him coming on, would tug their owners into doorways and up courts; and then would wag their tails as though they said, 'No eye at all is better than an evil eye, dark master!'

But what did Scrooge care? It was the very thing he liked. To edge his way along the crowded paths of life, warning all human sympathy to keep its distance, was what the knowing ones call 'nuts' to Scrooge.

Than this:

External heat and cold had little influence on Scrooge. No warmth could warm, no wintry weather chill him. No wind that blew was bitterer than he, no falling snow was more intent upon its purpose, no pelting rain less open to entreaty. Foul weather didn't know where to have him. The heaviest rain, and snow, and hail, and sleet could boast of the advantage over him in only one respect. They often 'came down' handsomely, and Scrooge never did. Nobody ever stopped him in the street to say, with gladsome looks, 'My dear Scrooge, how are you? When will you come to see me?' No beggars implored him to bestow a trifle, no children asked him what it was o'clock, no man or woman ever once in all his life inquired the way to such and such a place, of Scrooge. Even the blind men's dogs appeared to know him; and, when they saw him coming on, would tug their owners into doorways and up courts; and then would wag their tails as though they said, 'No eye at all is better than an evil eye, dark master!' But what did Scrooge care? It was the very thing he liked. To edge his way along the crowded paths of life, warning all human sympathy to keep its distance, was what the knowing ones call 'nuts' to Scrooge.

A good way to remember it is like this:

 

From Amanda on Writing 

It's fine to ask questions, even of people who look like they've been on the site for a million years. In fact, more often than not, they'll be more than happy to help! Clear and easy to read pieces are much more favoured over huge, seemingly unending blocks of text. And readers will love you for it! Once you've got your formatting right, you've won half of the battle!

Happy writing, and thank you for reading!