Sending Manuscript

Fictionalizer · Mar 7, 2005

Hello I'm new here and have already been active on the board. I write fictionalizations, thus my forum name. My genre is Psychological Suspense.

My sig is a pen name and I write under one as well. I consider writing a business and as such registered both pen names. I have a business license for them as well.

I used to be a registered nurse and use the knowledge in my novels.

Currently I am an artist, colored pencils, and a graphic designer/signmaker. I plan to use my own artwork for the cover of my three books. I don't know if this is possible with a publisher but it is my desire. The artwork's theme fits quite well with the books. That wasn't my intention when I drew them.

My questions:
How does one box a manuscript so that it can be returned? Does anyone use special boxes which fit inside one another?

Also my current printer sometimes prints unevenly on the bottom. Does anyone take their manuscript to the printers or Kinkos or ? I don't want to send a manuscript which looks unprofessional. A new printer would be a costly option but might be necessary.

Thanks.

CaoPaux · Mar 8, 2005

I'm not sure why you'd want your ms returned, since it'd likely be too dog-eared and coffee-stained to send anywhere else. But if you really want it back, I'd include a couple big rubber bands (to bind the ms) and a large SASE (to mail it back) in the bottom of the box.

ChunkyC · Mar 8, 2005

Hi fictionalizer, and welcome.

There are boxes made specifically for manuscripts with an inner and outer box, I've seen them in ads at the back of Writer's Digest. Cao's suggestion is a good one, and cheaper. Just put a second envelope big enough to hold the manuscript in the submission package and make sure it's addressed and has proper postage, just like a regular SASE.

Odd are that postage will be wasted, because like Cao said, it likely won't be in good enough condition to resubmit once you get it back.

sthrnwriter · Mar 8, 2005

Hey fictionalizer. Welcome to AW. :welcome:

Fictionalizer · Mar 10, 2005

CaoPaux said:
I'm not sure why you'd want your ms returned, since it'd likely be too dog-eared and coffee-stained to send anywhere else. But if you really want it back, I'd include a couple big rubber bands (to bind the ms) and a large SASE (to mail it back) in the bottom of the box.

I thought that is what one does. I truly am a newbie to this. duh! : )

So I send them without any SASE?

Must be mixing this up with query/synopsis.

Thank you for the information.

Fictionalizer · Mar 10, 2005

sthrnwriter said:
Hey fictionalizer. Welcome to AW.

Thank you!

:hi:

rich · Mar 10, 2005

I don't write thick manuscripts, but if I did I would send it with a small, legal size envelope and a stamp for them to reply.

CaoPaux · Mar 10, 2005

Fictionalizer said:
I thought that is what one does. I truly am a newbie to this. duh! : )

So I send them without any SASE?

Must be mixing this up with query/synopsis.

Thank you for the information.

It's indeed standard procedure to include a SASE for a reply, be it for a query or an actual submission. But it’s generally not expected to have a ms returned, both for cost and it’ll likely not be in any condition to reuse (if that's why you’re wanting it returned).

The most common practice is to include a line in the cover letter with your ms like: "Enclosed is a SASE for your reply, please recycle my ms".

That help, I hope?

ChunkyC · Mar 10, 2005

Like Cao says, the SASE and envelope/box for returning a manuscript are two separate animals. The SASE is an empty standard #10 business envelope for sending back either a rejection slip or a note requesting something further from you. If you do want the manuscript itself back, you include another envelope (or box) large enough to hold it. Both need sufficient postage.

Pat~ · Mar 10, 2005

I never send anything but a #10 SASE with my 1-1/2" manuscript. I don't want to tempt them to reject it and mail it back! It will likely be unusable again, anyway.

I once mailed a mss in a box, but never again. It didn't fit into the PO box, and the publisher instead rec'd a notice to come pick it up at the PO (which slowed down the whole submission process). Standing in line to get my beautifully boxed mss may not have put them in the best frame of mind (they rejected it).

maestrowork · Mar 10, 2005

I always indicate that the ms. is disposable. Paper is cheaper than return postage!! I only include a #10 SASE for rejection purpose only. And hopefully I won't see that SASE!

You can buy document mailers at Staples or online. They're not THAT expensive and it's really handy. They come in different sizes so make sure you get the ones that will hold your ms. I have the 9x12x3 -- that is good enough for a 400-page ms. I got a batch of 50 for about $75, I think. I am not using them, but I will when I have my second book completed. Also, I'll be using them to send review copies of my first book.

ChunkyC · Mar 10, 2005

I believe manuscript boxes are probably best saved for when those you submit to ask for the full manuscript.

Keep in mind what the goal is: to get your story accepted and ultimately published. You can help this happen by making your submission as easy to deal with for those receiving it as possible. The best rejection would be one where they felt you sent them a very professional package, but the story just wasn't right for them. Then the next time you send them something, they won't be inclined to say "Oh no, not him again." Their mindset will be positive as they begin to read. The last thing you want is for there to be any negative connotation to your publishing industry dealings that might sour their mood before they even look at the story.

awatkins · Mar 10, 2005

Welcome, Fictionalizer! I see you've already gotten some great answers to your questions.

TemlynWriting · Mar 10, 2005

Welcome Fictionalizer! I'm sure you'll find your questions answered by many here! 'Tis a great board!

Renee · Mar 10, 2005

TemlynWriting said:
Welcome Fictionalizer! I'm sure you'll find your questions answered by many here! 'Tis a great board!

I'm going to ditto Julia's comment, oh and :welcome:

!

jdkiggins · Mar 11, 2005

fictionalizer.

Good luck with the manuscript.

Joanne

triceretops · Mar 11, 2005

Welcome Fictionalizer--I have to agree, I mark my manuscripts (partials) DISPOSABLE, since it's more cost effective to get rid of it.

Triceratops

JanaLanier · Mar 13, 2005

Welcome, Fictionalizer!

Fictionalizer · Mar 20, 2005

Thanks everyone for all your input.

I'll stick with #10 envelope for a reply.

sgtsdaughter · Mar 20, 2005

i would just send the mss without expecting it back. general rule of thumb is that when you ask for it back--you are just opening up a pleuthera of doors for instant rejection to mounds of red ink. granted, feedback is good, but i wouldn't let the door be open for an instant slam.

on another note, postal regulations are increasing so that does make it a hassle to send large packages.

sharon · Mar 20, 2005

welcome!

Welcome Fictionalizer! Glad you're here! The people here are great and give superb comments! You're going to love it.

-------------------------------
'Take my advice... I'm not using it.'

SeanDSchaffer · Mar 21, 2005

Hello Fictionalizer! It's good to meet you. Welcome to AW.

Sending Manuscript

Fictionalizer

CaoPaux

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ChunkyC

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sthrnwriter

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Fictionalizer

Fictionalizer

rich

CaoPaux

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ChunkyC

It's hard being green

Pat~

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maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

ChunkyC

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awatkins

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TemlynWriting

The Tony Award-winning

Renee

jdkiggins

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triceretops

JanaLanier

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Fictionalizer

sgtsdaughter

Nearing the end of an era

sharon

SeanDSchaffer