Steps in formatting a paper from start to finish

Step 1:  Write the title page .  At this time do not add the running header.  Just focus on setting up the text for the paper.

Step 2:  Outline your paper.  Start with the title of the paper (this is your intro) and write out every topic that is required for the paper.  This serves for you not to forget what to write and starts organizing your paper.  Use headings format at the start of the outline to maintain correct APA format.  Remember that you must have a conclusion.  After your outline is complete insert a page break and write the word References centered (not bold) on the page.

Step 3: Now add the running header.  You don't want to do this before now because you need more than one page to your paper before you can add this element.  Remember that a running header is not just text at the top of the page, it is actually in a header text field.

Step 4: Add content.  This is the MOST important part of your paper.  As you write, cite your information and reference it.  Do this as you write not at the end as an after thought.

Step 5: Run spell check and grammar check.  Then Edit, Edit, and Edit again.