I am writing a book about my experience as a caregiver for my mother
who suffered from dementia.  I want to know the correct "format" that
a publisher would require the book to be in to be considered for
publishing.  I understand that there is a specific format that is
considered "acceptable".  I am looking for spacing, font size, margins
etc...

Dear gin98,

Generally, a good guide is:

FONT: 12-point (height) Courier, monospaced.  
MARGINS: at least one inch all around.
LINES: Always double-space
WORDS: 250 - 300 words per page

The best advice I can give is to get in touch with the specific
publisher you will be submitting your manuscript to and find out what
their requirements are - and then follow them to the "T".

That said, here a few links which are good guides for getting started.

1. MyPublishingHouse:  Manuscript Submission Requirements... :
http://www.weyantpress.com/mypublishinghouse/manuscripts2.htm

2. Inspiration for Writers: Manuscript Format:
http://tritt.wirefire.com/tip14.html

3. Standard Manuscript Format:
http://www.writepage.com/writing/std_ms.htm

4. Writing World.com: A Quick Guide to Manuscript Format 
http://www.writing-world.com/basics/manuscript.html

5. Writers Write: Proper Manuscript Format 
http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/dec98/shunn.htm

6. Authors Den: Submission, Query Format Manuscript Style:
http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewarticle.asp?AuthorID=6472


Additional Link:

1. Writing World.com: Ten Steps Toward Finding a Book Publisher:
http://www.writing-world.com/publish/tensteps.html


Search Strategies:
://www.google.ca/search?as_q=HOW+TO+GET+A+BOOK+PUBLISHED+MANUSCRIPT+FORMAT&num=100&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&btnG=Google+Search&as_epq=&as_oq=&as_eq=&lr=&as_ft=i&as_filetype=&as_qdr=all&as_occt=any&as_dt=i&as_sitesearch=&safe=images
://www.google.ca/search?as_q=publish&num=100&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&btnG=Google+Search&as_epq=manuscript+format&as_oq=&as_eq=&lr=&as_ft=i&as_filetype=&as_qdr=all&as_occt=any&as_dt=i&as_sitesearch=&safe=images


Terms Used:
how to get a book published manuscript format
"Manuscript Format" publish

I hope this helps, but if you need clarification, or if I've
misunderstood your question, please Request an Answer Clarification
before rating this. But most of all, good luck with your book! I'm
sorry to hear about your Mom but I'm sure she'd be touched that you
even want to write a book and proud of you if you do.
Sincerely,
hummer

Thank you for your answer, I also wish to thank you for your very kind
and encouraging words.