This PDF contains a checklist for best practices when styling a Word doc for a book manuscript.

Use Paragraph Styles to Label Your Manuscript

The best way to create consistency in your book manuscript is the use of Microsoft Word’s Styles Pane. Instead of manually applying Bold + Italic, then bumping up the font size of each header, you should instead apply a corresponding Paragraph Style, generally listed as Heading 1, Heading 2, etc. 

Every part of the manuscript should be labeled. By default, the whole manuscript takes on the Style of Normal and gives no distinction to the designer. Since the designer can’t always magically understand your intentions, it is up to you (or your editor) to apply the correct hierarchy.

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