Magazine Writing

Lesson 4: Writing and Submitting Your Article

Submitting Your Article

Email submissions are usually not sent by attachments, but copied and pasted onto the emails. Many editors don’t like attachments, because of the fear of viruses.

Articles which are going to be posted should be double-spaced and printed on white A4 paper. Plainer stationery is better, although a professional looking letterhead for the cover letter should not do you any harm. Even a simple logo can look good.

According to Michael Perry it is best to place your name, address, phone and fax numbers and e-mail address in the upper left corner of the first page. Place the word length on the right hand side. Cover letters seem to be considered old hat by some editors who think that they are only sent by amateurs. However, if your article is unsolicited, in my opinion, they’re not likely to do you any harm. They should be short and professional, giving minimum details. Michael Perry includes some examples in his chapter on query letters.

Centre the title and double-space your manuscript. Also make sure that it is easy to read. Number pages on the top right hand side.

I would advise, too, to study the way in which the magazine’s articles are set out. Are the footnotes (if any) printed at the end, or at the bottom of the pages, for example?

Michael Perry’s advice to fasten pages with a paper-clip is excellent. Removing staples is hard on the hands and annoying.

Check your manuscript again for errors before sending. Michael Perry advises that a self-addressed, stamped envelope be included, but, Jill Dick asks: “Why do you want It back anyway?” Editors prefer clean copy, and, if you use a computer, you only need to print it out again in order to re-send it.

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