Box or envelope for 50 pages?

[Adam Hammonds]

To send a 50 page partial to an agent, what should I use? 50 seems like too much for an envelope, no? I guess I should use the same box that I would use for a full and just put packing material in there to keep it from rolling around?

Thank you!

Adam

[Deccydiva]

If I had that dilemma, I would probably look for a large strong brown envelope - try an office supplies store - you can get these in a variety of sizes. The proof of my book came in a large padded envelope which is another way. Just make sure that you seal it well, I always tape over the seals and the ends to stop anything escaping as it is bounced around the postal system!

[Bluestone]

By far, use a large envelope. Fifty pages isn't that fat and I've done this several times. It's overkill to do the box stuffing thing. I always reinforce with more tape too.

[Alpha Echo]

I have sent 50 pages, and I used a large envelope. I don't know if that's "correct," but that's what I've done.

Maybe that's why I keep getting rejected...

[maestrowork]

Envelope. A document box is an overkill with just 50 pages.

[Adam Hammonds]

Cool.

Thanks guys. An envelope it is.

[Charlie Horse]

As a shipping expert (we all have our strengths) I would suggest not only an envelope, but a padded one. This will hold up under the abuse most postal workers like to inflict on our mail.

[Adam Hammonds]

As a shipping expert (we all have our strengths) I would suggest not only an envelope, but a padded one. This will hold up under the abuse most postal workers like to inflict on our mail.

Yeah, that's what I ended up using. I nice bubbly one.

[MissKris]

I've read on several agent websites recently that a padded envelope is the way to go for partials. Good luck!

[HeronW]

An envelope with two cardboard sheets to help keep the pages flat works fine.

[Charlie Horse]

An envelope with two cardboard sheets to help keep the pages flat works fine.

That too. Should I be embarrassed at how much I know about mailing?

[blacbird]

I'd agree with envelope, and the two cardboard sheets are probably a good idea, too; you don't want to crimp the page corners by stuffing them into a too-small envelope, in any case. But (and it's been said in other threads), avoid those diabolical envelopes padded with shredded paper. Opening them is like shooting a pigeon with a twelve-gauge. Use the ones padded with thin bubble-wrap. They are commonly available.

caw

[Skye Jules]

If I can stuff 150 pages in an envelope--my friend wanted to read some of my manuscript--then I believe you can fit 50 pages in an envelope.