- Never tell what the story is about in a cover letter, unless it is a
query. For example, do not say: "I am submitting my 3,000 word short
story, "The Barking Dog"; which is a tale of a little girl's loss of her
beloved pet".
- Always submit a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) for reply with
enough postage if you want your entire manuscript returned.
- If you have more than five or six writing credits, do not list every
single one. Instead, say: My writing credits include The New Yorker, The Chicago Sun-Times, Poetry, Gulf Coast, and others.
- Always include your full name and contact information. It is not wise
to include your social security number.
- Never put a copyright symbol on your work or say that is has been
copyrighted. Under current US copyright laws, your work is protected with
or without the symbol. No one will steal your work. If you use the symbol,
it will immediately mark you as a novice.
- Be sure to use page numbers and a header with your information on your
submission. It makes the reader's job much easier.
- Always be cordial and to the point in your cover letter. Don't drone
on with useless information.
- Don't include a resume with your submission unless specifically asked
for one. The fact that someone was a waiter five years ago does not have
any bearing on whether or not their work is publishable.
- Before you submit, copy edit your work carefully. Look for any
spelling or grammatical errors and FIX them.
- Finally, relax. The submission/notification time is an arduous one. As
the old adage goes, "you can't win them all". If you really want to be a writer and stay in this business, you have to develop a tough skin.
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