This is Part 3 of a 3 Part Article.
Step 6: Submit Your Story
Again, follow the rules as they are laid out in the writer’s guidelines. Does this publication want this story via snail mail? Do they only accept electronic submissions?
If you’re story is sent via regular mail make sure you use standard manuscript formatting. This means no staples, no fancy fonts (Courier New 12 pt is standard), and no plastic or cardboard covers. Any of these mistakes will immediately brand you an amateur. The first page of your story should contain your real name and address in the top left hand corner and the word count and copyright notice (i.e. “copyright 2001, Alissa Grosso) in the upper right hand corner. You should come down two thirds of the page and type the title, double space and type “by”, double space and type your name or pen name. Then drop down four stories and begin the story. Use double spacing throughout and use a left justified margin. (Editors don’t care that your right margin looks scraggly and messy. In fact they like it that way.) Beginning on page two your last name and page number should appear in the upper right hand corner. The easiest way to do this is to use the Headers/Footers function on your word processing program. Don’t use italics in your story. Anything that you want in italics should be underlined instead.
You MUST include a return envelope with sufficient postage. If you do not want the complete manuscript to be returned, a business envelope with a first class stamp is fine (Write “Disposable” on the top of your manuscript or explain this in your cover letter if you do not wish the story to be returned.) A reminder with the new mail regulations: make sure to put a return address, even on your SASE this can simply be your own address.
You should always include a cover letter with your story. It does not need to be long. It should be short and to the point. Tell the editor what story you have submitted (use the title.) You may wish to provide a brief description of the story. This is optional, and should not go more than one sentence (i.e. This is a short story about what happens when good cows turn bad.) Offer a brief description of yourself, any writing credits, awards or experience. If you have never published a story before there’s no need to tell the editor this. Thank the editor for his or her time and consideration. It’s important to address your letter to the editor of the magazine (i.e. Dear Mr. Dozois not Dear Sir or Madam.) This information should be readily available in the publication’s guidelines or masthead.
