Entry & Formatting Tips
In an effort to improve both the entry process and judging of The Sandy, we've compiled judging
and entry tips below. We hope you find them helpful.
Formatting Tips

To Save an Entry in rtf (Rich Text File)
To Get 25 lines Per page in Word
Standard Entry Format
Help Saving Entry Created on Mac Pages as RTF
How to Insert Page Numbers in Headers
How to Insert Entry Information in Header
To Highlight Text
To Change Font Color
Writing Tips

How to Write a Short Synopsis
Elements of Great Openings
The Difference between Judging & Critiquing
The 50 word or less pitch

Formatting Tips:

To save an entry in rtf (rich text file)
Choose 'File' then 'Save As' then look down to the 'Format' box in the center of your pop-up box that shows you how you currently have the entry saved, and look to the right where there are arrows pointing in opposite directions. Click on the arrows so a box drops down with common formats. Choose 'Rich Text Format, rtf', then go down to the bottom right hand corner and 'SAVE'. Click on Picture to enlarge.


To get 25 lines per page in Word
Choose 'Format' then 'Paragraph', then go down to 'Line Spacing' box and look to the right where there are arrows pointing in opposite directions. Click on arrows so a box drops down with spacing choices. Choose 'Exactly'. To the right where it says 'At', choose 26pt. Then click the 'OK' at bottom right corner. Click on picture to enlarge.


Standard Entry Format

  1. Font: Times New Roman or Courier New, 12 pt, black ink only.
  2. 1-inch margins all around. Ragged right margins.
  3. Double spaced, or exactly 26 points.
  4. 24-25 lines per page, with the exception of the last page of a chapter or the first page of each chapter.
  5. Each chapter page MUST start 1/3 way down the page.
  6. Header: Title and category & subgenre on left, page number on right.
    Click on picture to enlarge.


Help Saving Entry Created on Mac Pages as RTF
If using a Mac and created the entry in 'Pages', Go to 'File', choose 'Export', then choose 'Word' (picture #1 to right), then 'Next'. Then I'd save it to your 'Desktop' and Hit 'Export'. Now open the new Word Doc you just made and go to 'File' choose 'Save As', Choose 'RTF' as in picture #2 to right, then 'Save'.


How to Insert Page Numbers in Headers
At the top left-hand side of your computer screen choose 'Insert', then select 'Page Numbers'. When the window comes up in the Position box choose 'Top of Page (Header). In the Alignment box, choose 'Right', then click 'ok' to save it.


How to Insert Entry Information in Header
Double click at the top of your page near the page number. When the header pops up, type in the entry Title, Category, & subcategory (if has one) in the left hand side. If it won't let you put it in the left side, go to the alignment symbols and choose 'Align Text Left' as shown in picture to right of these instructions. Then choose 'close' or double click lower on document and it will close the header. Then save the entire entry changes.


To Highlight Text
Hold down your left button on your mouse and drag it across the text you want to highlight. Release your finger and go to the ABC icon in the upper right hand of your tool bar and click on the down arrow to the right. Click on the color you want your highlight to be. Picture 1.


To Change Font Color
Hold down your left button on your mouse and drag it across the text you want to highlight. Release your finger and go to the ‘A over a color bar’ in the upper right hand of your tool bar and click on the down arrow to the right. Choose a color from the color chart that popped up and click on it. Picture 2.

Writing Tips:

How to Write a Short Synopsis

Elements of Great Openings

  • Theresa Rizzo's website has advice on Story Openings.
  • Elements of a Great Opening by Donnell Bell

The Difference between Judging & Critiquing

  • Judging Manuscripts: Feedback Without Offense by Sandy Fails