Just Call Me Slushy
Note: the opinions expressed here are my own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher I worked for. But I learned a lot going through the slush pile, and I wanted to share. More articles to come soon!

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7 Steps For Mailing Your Package

Here are some common sense tips to help ensure that your package will arrive safely. Note: these tips are based on my observations of how manuscripts actually arrived. If you follow these tips, your work will be less likely to be mangled in transit.

1. Envelope Size: Yes, size matters. Make sure your manuscript has room to move. If it doesn’t (especially for novels), the envelope could rip in transit, causing lost, dirty, or torn pages. It will be easier for the publisher to read your ms if they are able to slide it in and out without having to fight with a too small envelope, especially if they need to pass on to someone else at the publisher.

2. Envelope Type: Go with something strong. This means bubble envelopes or Tyvek envelopes. The USPS Priority Mail and FedEx envelopes are great too (although only use these if you feel you need to spend extra for speed, which you usually don’t). Please do NOT use the padded envelopes with the fluffy stuff inside that flies out and covers everything with nastiness when the envelope is opened.

3. Address Labels: Firmly press them on or tape them in place. Sometimes they come off and are lost or stick to other packages. Also, if possible, the author’s name should be the name on the return address label so it’s easier to keep track of submissions.

4. Writing The Address: Use permanent ink or ballpoint pen in case it rains. Sometimes the addresses are so smeared that it’s surprising they got to the publisher at all.

5. Sealing the package: Make sure that the ms and SASE are away from the sticky stuff on the envelope before sealing it. And please do not over tape the opening so that it’s impossible to get into without ripping or cutting the manuscript.

6. Tracking your package: Do not send it so that it has to be signed for. This can result in the package being delayed or returned. Also do not call or email to see if your package has arrived. If you want to include a SASP (self addressed stamped postcard) for confirmation of receipt, make sure that the postcard is easy to find. One way to do that is to paper clip it to the cover letter.

7.Requested Subs: Don’t put requested on the envelope if it hasn’t really been requested. If the editor has requested it, or given instructions on what to put on the envelope, follow those instructions.