Mailing off Manuscript

[JuliePgh]

What is the best way to package a partial or whole manuscript?. What should I be looking to buy and where? The 3 chapters I'm sending off are too thick for a typical manilla and my Post Office only has large boxes.

Thanks.

[Julie Worth]

Unless you write very long chapters, 3 of them should fit nicely in a priority flat rate envelope.

[katdad]

When sending off sample chapters I used US Postal "Priority Mail" because they use these big Tyvek envelopes that won't tear, so you get protection. Inside that, I use a big manila envelope that's also addressed with the appropriate info, so that envelope can be passed around at the publisher/agent where you're submitting.

All office supply stores have plenty different sizes of envelopes so you can pick the size that's just right, not too big.

Priority Mail (surface 2nd day US) only costs about 2-3 bucks. Understand that it's not Express mail or special delivery -- it's just nice unrippable surface delivery that's totally reliable.

Now, if I'm asked to send the entire book, I put it into one of those print boxes like you get at Kinkos, and send it FedEx surface, which is cheap as well.

In other words, don't get too fancy, but go one step up from plain ol' stamped envelopes.

[James D. Macdonald]

When you're sending off the manuscript itself get a box at an office supply store of the appropriate size. If you want the manuscript returned you can get two nesting boxes (they make 'em in 8.5 x 11 size).

[maestrowork]

10x13 business envelopes work very well with 3+ submission. Tyvek and self-seal are great (water-proof, and easy to handle).

For full ms, get some 9x11.5x3 (or 9x11.5x4 or some similar sizes) document mailers. You can get them at Staples or online.


I love Priority Mail. But First Class will do.

[JuliePgh]

Thanks, Maestro... I got the Tyvek 10 x 13 this morning and they're a good fit, not to mention stronger than the manillas I have.

[scribbler1382]

Tyvek rocks. The ones I usually get even come pre...er...licked. Just tear off the strip and seal away. Note that once sealed you'll need a small C4 charge to get them open, though. Oh, and from a bad memory years ago, DO NOT try and put those suckers through a laser printer.

Tyvek melts. :Smack:

[LightShadow]

Manila Envelopes should work. Dam that beaver, how long are these chapters?