What do I use to send my manuscript?

[Stephenie Hovland]

I know this is a very basic question, but please indulge a newbie. The last manuscript I sent out was twenty-some pages and barely fit into the cardboard envelopes I got. I know there are manuscript boxes, but that would hold a lot of paper! I need something for about 50 pages. What do you suggest? Are there specific envelopes for different page counts?

Thank you!

Stephenie
sending this one out early next week :snoopy

[mammamaia]

hi, stephenie!...
what worked best for me in my old submitting days were stationery boxes that i got for free from my neighborhood office supply store... they come in all sizes and 50 pp is an easy one to find... i also had a catalog house that i'd use for buying in bulk... 'home office' i think was the name of the company...

you can google for writers' supplies or just go to www.thewritersstore.com (http://www.thewritersstore.com) and see what they have...

the post office has envelopes of all sizes and you can get manila envelopes that will hold that many pages at almost any store that sells stationery and office supplies... or at copy shops...

if this doesn't solve your problem, just keep asking till i get it right, ok?...

love and hugs, maia

[Maryn]

I've submitted a lot of short stories over the years, and find even a small box is overkill. (I've set aside the perfect box for that novel-in-progress, though!)

A 9 x 12" Tyvek envelope easily holds 20-30 pp. (depending on the weight of the paper), and a 10 x 13 can take 40-50 pp., although a paper clip is needed to keep them tidy. I don't insert anything (like a cardboard sheet) to keep the pages and envelope flat.

Tyvek is the brand name of that white, fibrous, and indestructible paper-ish stuff you see on one side of insulation and wallboard. It's strong (you can't tear it, but you can easily scissor it), semi-waterproof, and very lightweight. Office supply stores sell Tyvek envelopes in boxes of 20-25, right next to the brown kraft envelopes (which do tear, aren't waterproof at all, and weigh more--but cost less).

Man, I sound like a shill for the company! I just like 'em.

[mammamaia]

...but whenever i used them, i'd put the ms in a manila folder, 'cause the tyvek is so floppy, the pages need some stiffening to keep 'em nice and fresh... tyvek is also quite a bit more costly than manila, if you're sending out a lot of stuff and counting pennies...

hugs, maia

[Stephenie Hovland]

Thank you for the suggestions. I was thinking of the Tyvek envelopes but read somewhere (I know, that's dangerous isn't it!:huh ) that the Tyvek envelopes can make your manuscript look pretty old by the time they get to the publishing house, because they cause it to slide around and aren't stiff. If I stick some cardboard in, it may be okay. But, I'll probably just use the post office's envelope for this project. I hadn't even thought about that option before! :rolleyes I'll be sending it next day, anyway. So, it'll be slick as snot. (I've been looking for a way to use that saying. We need a smiley picking his nose to make it really effective!) :b

Stephenie

[Maryn]

I think the Tyvek envelop paired with a folder might be a great combination. In a small way, it might even make your ms. distinguishable from the rest without seeming unprofessional.

[maestrowork]

I use a 10x13 Tyvek -- works very nicely. I also use an open folder (the ones you use for brochures, etc.) -- my cover letter + synopsis, etc. go on the left, and my ms goes on the right. Then put that inside the envelope. It even holds a 75-page submission.

For complete ms, I use the Priority Mail Box (they call it "shirt box") from the post office. They're free (as long as you send priority mail with it) and can hold a lot (600-700 pages?)

[Betty W01]

just don't use a bubble-padded envelope for three sheets of paper, like one publishing house I got mail from today did - I'm still snorting with laughter...

:rofl

[Stephenie Hovland]

It must have been something VERY important, right?? Maybe a multi-million dollar contract?

[Betty W01]

ummm... no. It was three sheets of advertising for new titles from their house.

:grin

[maestrowork]

Oh, oh, by all means NEVER use those "padded" brown envelopes. You tear one open and $h!t flies all over the place. If you use them, probably it means instant rejection.

[Stephenie Hovland]

Oh, Yeah! I've been on the receiving end of a few of those. :teeth HATE IT!!!:teeth