How to bind samples?

SJBell · Jun 1, 2010

The latest agent on the list asks for a 30 page sample with the query letter. I print one out, then once I have it in hand, I realize: "Uh-oh, I'm not going to be able to drive a staple through this." I manage it, and the query goes off with no further problems. But I think in the future I should go to Kinkos or Staples if I need a printout of that magnitude. My question is: When I do, how do I get it bound? Is there anything they might want to do that won't fly with an agent?

Smish · Jun 1, 2010

You don't have to bind it at all. Just stick the pages in an envelope.

If you feel like you absolute need to bind it, use a binder clip or a rubberband.

Deleted member 42 · Jun 1, 2010

No; don't bind or staple. Put your surname and email on the bottom of every page with a page number, and use a paper clip.

When you read lots of samples/print out, it's a pain to deal with staples. Loose properly numbered and identified pages are much easier to work through.

And while I doubt binding or stapling a ms. will be cause for a rejection, when you're reading a stack to find one that you don't have to wrestle with is such a huge relief.

Jamesaritchie · Jun 1, 2010

Never bind anything in any way. It actually can cause rejections.

scarletpeaches · Jun 1, 2010

Don't. Don't. Don't.

Never ever ever ever ever bind submissions.

Ever.

Oh, and by the way: DON'T DO IT.

KTC · Jun 1, 2010

as everybody else has already said...don't do anything with it! it would be rejected by a pissed off agent.

Ryan_Sullivan · Jun 1, 2010

Generally, if it's short, leave it loose. If it's long (like a full manuscript) put a fat paper band around it.

Terie · Jun 1, 2010

I have heard a few editors say that they'll automatically reject manuscripts that are bound in an unremovable way (including staples). They're probably a minority, and might only do it when they're really tired of reading slush and don't feel like coping with a stapled MS, but why risk it? If you feel you must 'bind' it, do it with something instantly removable, such as a paper clip, binder clip, or rubberband.

shaldna · Jun 2, 2010

Golden rule is never staple. It's like the unholy of unholies.

If you must bind then use one rubber band around the whole thing. Other wise don't bind

OctoberRain · Jun 2, 2010

Send the pages loose in an envelope large enough so you don't have to fold them. Good luck on the request!

How to bind samples?

SJBell

New kid, bring it on!

Smish

Reads more than she writes.

Deleted member 42

Jamesaritchie

scarletpeaches

KTC

Stand in the Place Where You Live

Ryan_Sullivan

Agented YA Writer

Terie

Writer is as Writer does

shaldna

The cake is a lie. But still cake.

OctoberRain

I triple dog dare you.