Should the first paragraph of a fiction story be indented?

In many cases, it's common to indent the first paragraph of a short story. It helps create a visual break and indicates the start of the narrative. But there are no strict rules, and it can vary depending on the author's preference and the publication guidelines.

Not necessarily. It depends on the style guide or the publisher's requirements. Some novels don't indent every paragraph and still look fine.

Typically, you might indent a paragraph in a short story by about 0.5 inches or 5 spaces. But it can vary depending on the style guide or personal preference.

Typically, a paragraph indent in a novel manuscript is around half an inch or about five to seven spaces.

Indenting lengthy dialogue can be helpful. It visually separates it from the rest of the text, making it stand out and allowing readers to quickly identify and focus on the conversation. This can enhance the reading experience and improve comprehension.

In many cases, yes. Indenting new paragraphs helps to visually separate them and make the text more organized and readable. But there are styles where this isn't mandatory.

It depends. Some writers indent paragraphs for better readability, while others don't. It's a matter of personal style.

It depends on the style guide you're following. Generally, it's common to indent paragraphs for better readability and visual separation.

It depends. In some cases, indenting paragraphs can make the text more visually appealing and organized. But it's not a strict rule and some styles don't require it.

It varies. Some authors and publishers believe indenting paragraphs adds a polished look and makes it easier for readers to follow. However, others might choose not to indent for a more modern or minimalist approach, as long as the text is clear and coherent.