Q. When breaking a URL, can a hard return be used? If not, how should it be done? You give examples of broken URLs, but it is not clear how that is done according to a press’s and printer’s requirements.
A. In manuscripts prepared in a word-processing program for print publication, it’s best not to break URLs. The line breaks in your manuscript will not match the ones in the printed product. Moreover, such characters as hard (nonbreaking) hyphens and optional line breaks (also called discretionary line breaks) inserted using a program like Microsoft Word will likely not convert properly to other software platforms like page-layout or typesetting programs. Just make sure that your publisher and compositor are aware of the rules for breaking URLs (see CMOS 14.18). Whoever composes pages, then, will use discretionary line breaks and nonbreaking hyphens, as necessary, to ensure that URLs break properly at the ends of lines.
[This answer relies on the 17th edition of CMOS (2017) unless otherwise noted.]
Q. What is the recommended font style to use for manuscripts, books, etc., to make it easier for the reader?
A. For most of the twentieth century, typewriters ensured that manuscripts were typically prepared in a fixed-width typeface
resembling, for example, Courier New. (A typeface is a collection of all the characters—letters, numbers,
etc.—and styles—roman, italic, boldface, etc.—of a given
design of type like Courier New or Caslon; such typefaces are, however, often spoken of as fonts.) Lots of people became used
to reading such typewritten manuscripts. As word processors and computer-generated printouts began to take over, it became
possible to use proportional typefaces like Times New Roman. Today, many word processors can produce type that approaches
the quality of published materials, and fonts like Times New Roman have become dominant. But because some people still prefer
a typewriter-style font, it’s best to ask your publisher. Whatever you choose, avoid overly stylized
fonts, and, if possible, stick to one typeface.
[This answer relies on the 17th edition of CMOS (2017) unless otherwise noted.]
Q. What are the guidelines for submitting the manuscript of a book for publication?
A. The Chicago Manual of Style has general guidelines for manuscript preparation. See chapter 2, which includes an extensive discussion of this topic.
But you should check with your publisher for any other requirements specific to that press.
[This answer relies on the 17th edition of CMOS (2017) unless otherwise noted.]
Q. Hello. Are there any samples of manuscript formats for fiction writing in your new updated book?
A. The Chicago Manual of Style does not include guidelines for submitting manuscripts of works of fiction. Following a long tradition, the manual provides
guidelines for editing and writing and publishing works of nonfiction. Most of our rules on punctuation and capitalization
apply to all writing, and we do include recommendations for styling such things as direct and indirect discourse, but the
“nuts and bolts” information about publishing and editing is primarily geared
toward nonfiction articles and books.
[This answer relies on the 17th edition of CMOS (2017) unless otherwise noted.]