The Stupid Question Thread

scarletpeaches · Oct 17, 2005

Okay okay, somebody needed to do it and as I don't mind making an arse of myself...I thought we (okay, me and anyone else who wants to own up to being a diddy) could use a stupid questions thread, where we could throw off any embarrassment and get straight to the point.

Oh, and before I get on with it, remember: What happens in this thread stays in this thread, okay? Good.

Right. This is probably a stupid question, but, is there any need to send an SAE with a query letter?

The reason I ask: All I have in the envelope is one, A4 sheet of paper, and my contact details are in the letter. There is nothing I need them to return, no synopses, no chapters, and my contact details are at the head of the letter, so if they want to see my manuscript, they know how to get in touch. BUT I don't want them to think I'm too cheap even to shell out for a stamp! Is it 'good form' to send an SAE with everything, just in case someone wants to use snail mail to get back in touch with you, even if they have your telephone numbers and email address?

MacAllister · Oct 17, 2005

Yes. Send the SAE.

It's so they can tell some harried and underpaid assistant to print out the form letter requesting your full ms, and send it to you--in the envelope you so thoughtfully provided.

scarletpeaches · Oct 17, 2005

Now you put it like that, MacAllister, I feel so much more optimistic about my upcoming fame and fortune!

emeraldcite · Oct 17, 2005

Would a post card do for a query? Just a thought...

reph · Oct 17, 2005

They still have carrier pigeons, don't they?

azbikergirl · Oct 17, 2005

Agents and editors are really busy. I don't want to annoy them by making them address an envelope to me and stamp it after they've been kind enough to scribble, "Sure, send me the full ms." on my query letter.

brokenfingers · Oct 17, 2005

I think there was a thread around here somewhere by a guy who sent a postcard instead of an SASE and he regretted it immensely.

Grey Malkin · Oct 18, 2005

What about naughty seaside postcards from the seventies?

Jamesaritchie · Oct 18, 2005

Query

scarletpeaches said:
Right. This is probably a stupid question, but, is there any need to send an SAE with a query letter?

Not just a SAE, but a SASE. The one thing you do want back is an answer, yes or no, and you usually won't get one unless you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Grey Malkin · Oct 18, 2005

probably some UK/US confusion here. In Blighty, SAE means "Stamped, addressed envelope"

Grey

Jamesaritchie · Oct 18, 2005

Confusion

Grey Malkin said:
probably some UK/US confusion here. In Blighty, SAE means "Stamped, addressed envelope"

Grey

I think you're right. In the US, SAE means Self-addressed envelope. SASE means Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope.

Either way, there's never a time when a stamped envelope shouldn't be enclosed.

LightShadow · Oct 18, 2005

Basically, you do what you're told, when you're told, because you're told to. SASE is important, but it also makes it easier to send that rejection letter. Nonetheless, as a new writer we need to send it. Afterward, you may never include one again. You don't think Stephen King sends an SASE, do you?

scarletpeaches · Oct 18, 2005

Any more stupid questions?

batgirl · Oct 18, 2005

Oh, I have one! If the submissions guidelines don't specify, should a synopsis be single-spaced or double-spaced?
-Barbara

Jaycinth · Oct 18, 2005

When I write in my query letter that I am sending said self-addressed stampped envelope do I type:

1) I have enclosed A SASE.
Or
2) I have enclosed AN SASE.

(Or should I just go outside and stare at the sun until this clears up on its own?)

Honey Nut Loop · Oct 18, 2005

Jaycinth said:
When I write in my query letter that I am sending said self-addressed stampped envelope do I type:

1) I have enclosed A SASE.
Or
2) I have enclosed AN SASE.

(Or should I just go outside and stare at the sun until this clears up on its own?)

Number 1 is your winner

KelseyF · Oct 18, 2005

Do you seek new representation for each individual project?

ANNIE · Oct 18, 2005

Jaycinth said:
When I write in my query letter that I am sending said self-addressed stampped envelope do I type:

1) I have enclosed A SASE.
Or
2) I have enclosed AN SASE.

(Or should I just go outside and stare at the sun until this clears up on its own?)

Actually, isn't the inclusion of a SASE self explanitary?

Greer · Oct 18, 2005

Jaycinth said:
When I write in my query letter that I am sending said self-addressed stampped envelope do I type:

1) I have enclosed A SASE.
Or
2) I have enclosed AN SASE.

(Or should I just go outside and stare at the sun until this clears up on its own?)

Actually, the correct answer is number 2. Use "an" before any word that begins with a vowel sound. Since we pronounce each letter of SASE, and "ess" begins with a vowel sound, we enclose "an" SASE.

sassandgroove · Oct 18, 2005

Please find the enclosed SASE for your convienience.

scarletpeaches · Oct 18, 2005

Don't put the acronym. Put the full, 'a self-addressed envelope'. That's my way of getting around it, but then, as Annie said, an enclosed SAE is self-explanatory. Or you could just refer to it as 'return postage' - mind you, that might put the dreaded word 'return' into their minds.

I say include it, but don't refer to it.

Jamesaritchie · Oct 18, 2005

Query

If you're writing a query letter, you don't really need to tell anyone you've enclosed SASE. In a letter, the only easy way to enclose SASE is to fold it in thirds and slip one fold over the enclosed letter. Whoever opens the query will find the SASE before they even read your letter.

batgirl · Oct 19, 2005

batgirl said:
Oh, I have one! If the submissions guidelines don't specify, should a synopsis be single-spaced or double-spaced?

What, was my question not stupid enough?
*sulks and kicks stone*

brinkett · Oct 19, 2005

If they don't say, I'd single-space. I'm sure this has been covered in the Uncle Jim thread--you might want to check the index.

pconsidine · Oct 19, 2005

My understanding is that anything that isn't manuscript is single-spaced. but like brink said, see if Uncle Jim has answered that one. It's what he's here for, right?

The Stupid Question Thread

scarletpeaches

MacAllister

Tired and worried.

scarletpeaches

emeraldcite

Art is Resistance

reph

Fig of authority

azbikergirl

I really do look like this.

brokenfingers

Walkin' That Road

Grey Malkin

Moody Member

Jamesaritchie

Grey Malkin

Moody Member

Jamesaritchie

LightShadow

defender of the blahs!

scarletpeaches

batgirl

Writting broad

Jaycinth

Your Cuddly Sociopathic

Honey Nut Loop

KelseyF

ANNIE

Greer

sassandgroove

Sassy haircut

scarletpeaches

Jamesaritchie

batgirl

Writting broad

brinkett

Elder Scrolls devotee

pconsidine

Too Adorkable for Words