Are you tired of spending hours formatting your manuscript only to realize it still doesn’t look right? In this video, I’ll show you 5 common formatting mistakes and how to fix them, so your manuscript will be perfect in no time.

Mistake #1: Not using headings – Headings not only make your document look organized, but they also help with navigation. So don’t forget to use them. And make sure you stay till the end of this video because I’ll be sharing exactly how to use your headings to create a table of contents!

Here’s how to do it:

1. Select the text that you want to turn into a heading.
2. In the toolbar, locate the “Paragraph styles” drop-down menu. 
3. Click on the “Paragraph styles” drop-down menu and select the appropriate heading level. The heading levels range from Heading 1 (largest) to Heading 6 (smallest).
4. Repeat the process for all of the headings in your document.

Mistake #2: Using spaces to indent – Using spaces to indent your paragraphs can lead to inconsistent spacing and difficulty making changes. If you want to indent a sentence use the tab button. If you want to indent a paragraph, do this instead:

1. Highlight the paragraph you want to indent.
2. Click on the Increase Indent button in the toolbar (the right-facing arrow).
3. The paragraph or text will be indented to the next tab stop, which is usually half an inch by default.

Common Formatting Mistakes

Mistake #3: Not using bullets and numbering – Bullet points and numbered lists can make your document easier to read and follow. Use them to your advantage!

1. Click where you want to add the bullets or numbering.
2. Click on the “Bullets” or “Numbering” icon on the toolbar. If you don’t see the icon, click on the “More” icon (three vertical dots) and select “Bullets and numbering.”
3. Choose the type of bullet or numbering you want to use from the list of options.
4. Start typing your list. Each new line will automatically start with the bullet or number you selected.

Mistake #4: ​​Not using templates – Templates can save you time and ensure consistency throughout your document. Take advantage of the templates provided or create your own.

And if you want to use my manuscript and formatting outline templates you’ve been seeing throughout this video! Check out the link in the description box as it’s designed to help you structure your writing and make the writing process easier and more efficient. 

Mistake #5: Incorrect Table of Contents – A table of contents is a must-have for non-fiction books. Make sure it’s accurate and includes all the necessary sections.

1. Place your cursor where you want to insert the table of contents.
2. Click on the “Insert” tab in the menu bar and select “Table of contents.”
3. Choose a style for your table of contents from the list of available options.
4. The table of contents will be automatically generated based on the headings in your document. And remember I showed you how to create the headings earlier in the video!
5. If you want to update the table of contents as you edit your document, right-click on the table of contents and select “Update table of contents.” This will ensure that any changes to the headings in your document are reflected in the table of contents.

So those are the 5 common formatting mistakes to avoid in Google Docs. By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll be able to format your document like a pro. If you found this video helpful, be sure to check out my Google Docs playlist for tips and tricks and my previous video where I share 10 more common formatting mistakes. 

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