Submission Envelopes 101

scheherazade · Jun 11, 2009

This is such a ridiculous question, but I'll admit, I'm clueless.

I'm mailing a submission, and I need to enclose an SASE. Does that mean I should submit in a larger than standard envelope size so that I can fit the (folded?) SASE inside?

Also... my home printer is terrible and I've been doing my printing at school, where I can't use my own paper/envelopes/mailing labels. What's the best trick for addressing an envelope given these limitations... I assume hand-labels are out. So... pay a printing store to get them printed? Or print on paper and cut & paste a hand-cut label? Or um...?

Edit: I guess I should clarify that I'm submitting a 2-page poem + cover letter. Now that I think of it, with short stories I imagine a larger envelope would probably be the norm anyway.

DeleyanLee · Jun 11, 2009

Why is hand addressing it out? I've been doing this in business and for submissions for 30 years with no problems. After all, it's not like the editors/agent actually see the envelope.

Best of luck with your submission.

scheherazade · Jun 11, 2009

Ooh.. hand labels are okay? That's good. But does it need to be a bigger envelope?

Rachel · Jun 11, 2009

I would think a manila envelope. Don't fold the poem, basically.

efkelley · Jun 11, 2009

I agree with not folding the manuscript. A manila envelope and neatly written addresses on the envelope and SASE are quite acceptable. And since 'neat handwriting' is a prerequisite, that's why I end up printing everything.

The Rav · Jun 12, 2009

Maybe poetry is different (or I've been given lousy advice), but I've always heard it's okay to fold the manuscript (neatly, of course) if everything is under 6 pages. This allows you to send it in a standard #10 envelope. I then just fold the SASE so it fits.

Katrina S. Forest · Jun 13, 2009

I never fold things, but honestly, I can't remember if someone actually told me that, or if I simply decided it on my own. I always put the SASE in a Manila-sized envelope with the submission. Seems to work well. I hand-address SASE's, although when I've had a bunch of things to submit, the temptation to buy a self-inking stamp with my name and address has struck on more than one occasion. (They're cheaper than you'd think.)

Ken · Jun 13, 2009

... folding is fine for less than five pages or thereabouts. Fold the submission in three and do the same with the SASE. They do sell #9 envelopes that are slightly smaller than #10 business ones, which can allow you not to have to fold them. They're not the easiet to find, and you'll probably need to order them, online. Dimensions detailed below:

#9 env = 3 7/8 x 8 7/8 inches
#10 env = 4 1/8 x 9 1/2 inches

Really no need to put yourself through the trouble though as folding the SASE is fine.

Robert E. Keller · Jun 13, 2009

Also, if you don't care if the manuscript is returned, you can use a smaller envelope and mark "disposable manuscript -- for reply only" on the smaller envelope in the top left. You would, of course, want to weigh your printing costs versus your mailing costs when choosing a method, but the option exists.

Robert E. Keller
http://scrollsofatlantis.com

pdr · Jun 14, 2009

Have to say...

that the advice to fold your manuscript goes against all editors' advice I've received.

Check the market guidelines of course, but if they don't say I would recommend not folding your work.

This could be an American versus British Commonwealth difference, but the advice I give, and was taught, is always to present a flat script as it is easier for the editor to manage it.

Folding your submission into three is definitely not a way to make yourself popular!

Submission Envelopes 101

scheherazade

Human

DeleyanLee

Writing Anarchist

scheherazade

Human

Rachel

Stuff and nonsense.

efkelley

ow

The Rav

Katrina S. Forest

Ken

Robert E. Keller

Likes heroic fantasy and hot coffee

pdr