Set the word processing program on your computer for 1-inch margins throughout. Most programs, such as Microsoft Word and WordPerfect, use 1-inch margins as a default, so you do not need to adjust.
Set your writing program for double-spacing. In Microsoft Word, select "paragraph" from the toolbar. A window will open with a section labeled "spacing"; in this section is a box labeled "line spacing." Click the scroll arrow next to the box and select "double." This will automatically insert a double space between each line of text as you write.
Read through the body of your paper. One thought will flow smoothly into the next in a well-written body.
Organize paragraphs inside the body of the text. Begin a new paragraph by pressing enter on the keyboard. Indent the first line of paragraph by pressing the tab key before you begin writing: the rest of the paragraph's text is not indented,
Organize citations and quotes inside the body. These are quotes from research or directly from the piece of literature you are analyzing. Separate an extensive quote from your paper's text as you would a new paragraph, increase the margins around it to 2-inches. Cite the quote in the text; for example, "according to Balzac's publisher." Be specific with names and publications when citing in text quotes.
Add one space after each punctuation mark.
Place all titles in italics. Highlight the title and right click; a box will appear with an italics icon. Click on the icon and the title will convert to italics.