How to Write a Manuscript Using APA Format
- 1). Write your paper using the font Times New Roman and font size ten or twelve. Always double-space your text and use a first-line indent with one-inch margins. On rare occasions a professor may make an adjustment, so be sure to check with your intended audience before writing.
- 2). Use an APA-formatted title page. At the top of the page on the left write the words "Running head:" followed by a brief version of the title of your paper. The running head should be in all capital letters. Write the complete title of the paper in the center of the page. Next, double-space and include your name; double-space again and put the name of your college/university/institution. Make sure to center all of this information.
- 3). Include a page header at the top of all pages after the title page. To do this, place page numbers flush right. On the same line of the header, put the title of your paper in all caps, flush left.
- 4). Create an abstract for the next page. Center the word "Abstract" and type a summary of your paper. This summary should be written in block format (justified with no indents). An abstract generally contains four points summarized in a 200- to 250-word paragraph. The four points are motivation for writing, methods and procedures, results and findings, and conclusions.
- 5). Move to the third page and write the main body of the paper. Write all main titles in the center of the page using both uppercase and lowercase letters. Subheadings should be placed on the left and written in italics. Strict adherence to formal writing should be followed. As much as possible keep your writing to the point, in third person and in active voice (subject-verb-object).
- 6). Keep quotations less than four lines in length within the main body of the text. Longer quotes should be indented on a separate line. Be sure to cite quotations and any paraphrased material in the proper APA format, in parentheses: (title, year, page number) or (last name, year, page number).
- 7). Insert a page break at the end of the paper and create a reference page. Type the word "References" in the center of the paper. Double-space and list your references in alphabetical order. Be sure to use a hanging indent for each reference. All lines after the first line of each entry in your reference list should be tabbed one-half inch from the left margin.
