Formatting a Manuscript, Part IV, Call for Submisions
This article is the last of the series, Formatting a Manuscript.
1. Do not staple the pages together. Place the pages in an envelope. If the manuscript is just a few pages, you may paperclip them together. I do this for picture books. If your manuscript is too large for an envelope, a box works well. Special boxes can be purchased.
Before submitting a manuscript to any publisher, check their webpage for the guidelines. Some publishers have specific guidelines that must be followed and may vary from these tips. The tips I’ve listed are acceptable with many publishers, but there is no single, correct manuscript format.
2. This tip goes beyond formatting a manuscript but is an important tip to know. Mail the package as Media Mail, a special, discounted type of shipping that is allowed for manuscripts. Do NOT use any type of mailing that requires an editor to sign for the delivery. That is a major hassle editors do not want.
My goal with an editor is to follow the Standard Manuscript Format so my work will be the primary focus, not the formatting. Make the format “transparent” so your work will stand out.
Call for submissions for adult writers:
Writing in Dialogue Competition. Hosted by Pen and Keyboard Writers (an affiliate of OWFI – Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc.) Rules:
1. Only one entry per person
2. Entry must consist of only dialogue or internal monologue (thoughts in italics).
3. Entry should be a short story with conflict and resolution.
4. Entry must not exceed 750 words.
5. Include word count after the end of the story, 3-4 empty lines after last line.
6. Entry must be double spaced, 1” margins all around, typed in Times New Roman 12 font or equivalent.
7. Contestant’s name, full address, phone number, and preferred email address needed in upper right hand corner of first page. This part can be single spaced.
8. Title, name of contestant, and page number needed in one line on top of pages after first page.
9. Entry is to be sent as a Word document attachment to pen.keyboard@gmail.com. Only electronic entries accepted.
NOTE: Grammar, spelling, and correct punctuation are absolutely essential for top rated stories. This contest is about craftsmanship. As a side note, your judges are patently biased towards stories with some kind of conflict and some kind of resolution.
Deadline: August 15, midnight CDT.
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
1. Do not staple the pages together. Place the pages in an envelope. If the manuscript is just a few pages, you may paperclip them together. I do this for picture books. If your manuscript is too large for an envelope, a box works well. Special boxes can be purchased.
Before submitting a manuscript to any publisher, check their webpage for the guidelines. Some publishers have specific guidelines that must be followed and may vary from these tips. The tips I’ve listed are acceptable with many publishers, but there is no single, correct manuscript format.
2. This tip goes beyond formatting a manuscript but is an important tip to know. Mail the package as Media Mail, a special, discounted type of shipping that is allowed for manuscripts. Do NOT use any type of mailing that requires an editor to sign for the delivery. That is a major hassle editors do not want.
My goal with an editor is to follow the Standard Manuscript Format so my work will be the primary focus, not the formatting. Make the format “transparent” so your work will stand out.
Call for submissions for adult writers:
Writing in Dialogue Competition. Hosted by Pen and Keyboard Writers (an affiliate of OWFI – Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc.) Rules:
1. Only one entry per person
2. Entry must consist of only dialogue or internal monologue (thoughts in italics).
3. Entry should be a short story with conflict and resolution.
4. Entry must not exceed 750 words.
5. Include word count after the end of the story, 3-4 empty lines after last line.
6. Entry must be double spaced, 1” margins all around, typed in Times New Roman 12 font or equivalent.
7. Contestant’s name, full address, phone number, and preferred email address needed in upper right hand corner of first page. This part can be single spaced.
8. Title, name of contestant, and page number needed in one line on top of pages after first page.
9. Entry is to be sent as a Word document attachment to pen.keyboard@gmail.com. Only electronic entries accepted.
NOTE: Grammar, spelling, and correct punctuation are absolutely essential for top rated stories. This contest is about craftsmanship. As a side note, your judges are patently biased towards stories with some kind of conflict and some kind of resolution.
Deadline: August 15, midnight CDT.
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
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