It is extremely important that your manuscript is clean, clear and easy to read. For writers of both fact and fiction, there area few do's and don'ts for anyone writing for a publication.
Some Useful Rules for submitting manuscripts
DO
* Establish the editorial requirements before you submit your manuscript.
* Include a brief covering letter and return postage.
* Ensure that the return envelope is large enough for your manuscript.
* Type/word process your manuscript double spaced on one side of A4 white paper.
* Put your name and title of the piece at the top of each page.
* Number each page consecutively.
* Indicate that more is to follow by putting 'm/f' or 'contd' at the end of the page.
* Use a paperclip to keep small manuscripts together.
* Take note of any advice given in rejection letters.
* Ensure that the manuscript neat, clean and easy to read.
* Use a dictionary to check your spellings.
* Check your manuscripts through for errors before sending it off.
* Persevere, persistence does pay off.
DON'T
* Submit handwritten manuscripts.
* Forget to number each page.
* Forget to put your name and the title of the piece on each page.
* Rely on a spellchecker to correct your spelling mistakes.
* Fasten the pages together with a staple or pin.
* Put your manuscript in a plastic folder.
* Decorate your manuscript with fancy fonts and squirls.
* Use a faint typewriter or a printer ribbon.
* Use continuous feed paper joined together with holed strips down the sides.
* Send a reply-pain return envelope too small to take your manuscript.
* Include irrelevant personal details in your covering letter.
* Send your manuscript to a totally unsuitable market.
* Telephone or email the editor, the day after you send the manuscript to see if it has arrived.
* Telephone or email the editor to ask why your manuscript was rejected.
* Telephone or email the editor (unless they ask you to or know your personally).
Choosing a title is very important because a title provides:
* A label for your manuscript.
* An eye-catching headline.
* An idea of the content.
* A hint of the tone.
Make sure that your title clearly reflects the content of the article or story you are submitting but don't agonize too much over it. No matter how closely you feel it reflects the magazine's style, the editor may have other ideas. Alternatively, it may be that your carefully thought out heading simply won't fit the space available and has to be cut down to size, so be prepared to be cruel on yourself. You should of course also enlist the help of an online editor who can help you with your manuscript, taking a huge weight off your shoulders.
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