Submission information request

[elaby]

Hey, all of my writerly friends! I'm in need of some submission advice.

If I'm going to be submitting a short story in response to a call for submissions in the U.S. (not sure if it works differently in other countries), how should I format my submission? Double spaced, with italics or underline for italics/underlined things? The CFS itself has no specifications other than it's going to be submitted on paper and not electronically.

Also, I hear there's a thing called a cover letter I might need. Does anyone have any advice in this area?

Thank you all very much in advance ^_^

Comments

[templarwolf.livejournal.com]

This (new window) link should be of some help. It's the same formatting we learn at Odyssey.

[elaby.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Awesome :)

[materia-indigo.livejournal.com]

Pretty much what that website says.

Double space
Use only one side of the sheet of paper
12 pt Courier font (Times New Roman also usually acceptable)
I use 1-inch margins all around
Underline words that need italics (no italics in the manuscript)
Use a paper clip (no staples)
Number the pages in the upper right corner (no number on first page)
Name and contact info on first page in upper left corner
Approximate word count in upper right corner of first page
Put the title and author's name almost half-way down the first page

For a cover letter, keep it short. It should be in standard business format and say something like:
Dear (editor's name):

Please consider my short story, "Elaby's Elegant and Erudite Eggplants," for publication in your anthology. I have enclosed an S.A.S.E. for your response. You may recycle the manuscript.

I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,
(full name/signature here)

Don't explain the story or summarize it in the cover letter. The editor will, however, be interested in any special background or knowledge you may have that informs the story. Include a sentence or two about that if it applies.

Include a sentence or two about your publishing experience, but only if you have some. If you've never published anything, don't say anything.

Be sure to include an S.A.S.E. (self addressed stamped envelope).

Good luck! ^_^

[elaby.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your advice :) I wouldn't have known to include a cover letter without you!