Lois,
First congrats on your writing! It is a great accomplishment to finish a project.
This is what I’m thinking when it comes to format for a manuscript to submit to a publisher: Times News Roman 12 pt and of course double spaced. Don’t worry about a table of contents because that may change depending on how they edit the manuscript into a book. Take a look at their submission criteria if they post any.
Send the cleanest manuscript that you can. I have a book of grammar that I consult, watch for cliches and nonactive verbs. (You are lucky to have a group to read your work.)
A clean manuscript and correct format is terrific, but also work hard to make sure your writing has a voice, something that sings words and images and emotions.
Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.
Patricia
