Requested Material?

[MightyScribbler]

Ok, got a request for the full. I was asked to please mark as "requested material" and to please include an SASE if you want the materials back.

So, how does one mark something as "requested material"? In the past I've literally written on the big envelope "requested material" with a pen. Is that cool?

Also, if I'm not intersted in having the material returned, do I still include an SASE for their response at this stage? Thanks.

[MightyScribbler]

In addition, I've been using 20 pound paper for my queries and sample materials. Do I use this same paper for the entire manuscript?

[maestrowork]

First, congrats. Second, I think just marking it on the front or back of the box (It's for them to know that the full is not unsolicited. As for SASE, if you're only sending a disposable ms., just include a #10 envelope -- unfortunately, that would most likely be used for rejection.

ETA: yes, same paper.

[Siddow]

Cool!

Listen to ray-ray.

[MightyScribbler]

First, congrats. Second, I think just marking it on the front or back of the box (I . It's for them to know that the full is not unsolicited. As for SASE, if you're only send disposable ms., just include a #10 envelope -- unfortunately, that would most likely be used for rejection.

ETA: yes, same paper.


Thanks on the congratds. Box? I was just going to use in envelope and stick a ton of stamps on it, we are talking over 400 ppgs though. If I need a box what sort of box do I use? Do I do the postage differently in this case. This is my first full request so I'm unschooled.

[MightyScribbler]

And I keep the materials unbond right? I don't hole punch and stick it in a notebook or nothing do I?

[maestrowork]

Use a document box. You can find one at OfficeMax or Staples. You'll need more than just a few stamps -- go to the post office. You want to make sure you have enough postage; it's important!

Do it right. Don't skimp.

ETA: put all the pages in order, in a box, unbound/no punch holes/no nothing -- just crisp, nice pages. You may rubberband it to keep all the pages in place (especially if the document box is a bit too big) but that's it.

[Just Me 2021]

Congrats on the request for the full! Whoo, hoo! Raise your glass or at least celebrate with an ice cream sandwich or something. I'm celebrating for you with a milky way bar right now...

I always go to the UPS store/Postal office (we have one that will send it via US Postal mail) and get the right-sized box there. I rubber band the whole thing with two rubber bands and write on the box "requested materials".

Congrats again! And now the dreaded wait begins. I warn you, days will feel like years until you hear back! It's worse than the last few weeks of pregnancy.

[MightyScribbler]

Will do, thanks ray. Can I use Times New Roman, or is Courier preferable.

[MightyScribbler]

Oh and do I put the agents name and address on my title page?

[Rob B]

Ray gave you the right advice and some extra good information on packaging. But I'm gonna elaborate, so you don't get fouled up.

Your office supply chain store of preference has these boxes in various sizes. If your manuscript is 400 pages, you'll likely want a box at least 3" deep. I'm going through all of this with you because, after 15 years of sending manuscripts, I just bought home the wrong size boxes (I've always found these mailer boxes to come in a 3 pack, by the way).

Also, as someone said, go to the post office and have the friendly and helpful clerk affix the postage instead of you applying a bunch of stamps. Especially important since most of us tend to put on too much postage.

Finally, the really cool part. I eventually bought a big rubber stamp REQUESTED MATERIAL. This might be considered a bit extreme, but I'd recommend you write these magic works neatly and in big, bold print.

And I erred. I implied "finally" in the preceding paragraph. The true "finally" is you should have a big ole drink of your favorite hooch and howl at the moon.

Super big congratulations.

P.S. Do not bind the material in any way. Absolute no no.

[Joe270]

First, congratulations.

I agree with the above and:

I placed the box inside a tyvex envelope.

I used my printer to make labels which said "Requested Materials" in very large print.

On the box I attached another large square label identifying the person who requested the novel, title, my name, etc.

Inside the box is all your stuff, I would not put the agent's name on the cover sheet.

[johnzakour]

I agree with what the gang said, my only suggestion would be to consider using a stamped postcard for the reply. It makes it even easier on them.

Also, I always send my manuscripts in really big padded envelopes instead of boxes. I did it for the first manucript I ever sold, so it became sort of a tradition for me. So there are other options besides boxes. (I guess I like to think outside of the box! ;-) Sorry couldn't resist.)

[freshpencils]

Congratulations, Mighty! That is SOOOOOOOOOOOO exciting.

PS I vote for a box rather than an envelope. Staples, etc. have perfect sized boxes for 8.5 x 11 sheets and the boxes keep the paper neatly "squared off."

[maestrowork]

Also, I always send my manuscripts in really big padded envelopes instead of boxes. I did it for the first manucript I ever sold, so it became sort of a tradition for me. So there are other options besides boxes. (I guess I like to think outside of the box! ;-) Sorry couldn't resist.)

Boxes are neater but as long as the envelope is big enough and can keep the pages neat and tidy, it's also acceptable. However, DO NOT use those padded envelopes that shed a million pieces when you rip them up. You know, the kinds with cardboard fillings... If you use one of those envelopes, chances are you will piss the agent off so bad that the ms. would go directly to the trash, with the #%$#$%& envelope.

[job]

Hi Mighty--

You have some rules. You also have some latitude.


Here are the rules.
This is what you must do.
No deviation allowed.

-- Submit on good quality paper. I use 24 lb paper with the highest brightness I can find. 20 lb paper is just fine. Don't use less than 20 lb paper.

-- Use a good quality printer.

-- Use one side of the paper.

-- Leave a one inch margin on top, bottom and both sides.

-- Do not justify the right margin.

-- Use 12 point type.

-- Use only TNR, Courier, or Courier New.

-- Put your last name/words from your title/page number
on either the top left or top right of your ms. It doesn't matter which.

-- Do not staple or attach the pages together. Leave them loose.

-- Do not punch holes in the pages.

-- Do not put the ms in a binder.

-- Do not ask for the ms back. That is just stupid and a lot of trouble for everyone.

-- Do not use those funny envelopes with the bits of padding that come apart all over everything. If you are using a box within a box, don't stuff the space in between with styrofoam peanuts.

-- On top of the ms put a cover page that has the title in capital letters in some aesthetically pleasing and centered spot.
Below the title put your name, (not pseudonym,) your address in full, your telephone number, and your e-mail address.
That is all you put on the cover page.
You do not put a page number on the cover page.

-- On top of the cover page to the ms, put the cover letter.
This letter says 'here is the mansucript, and names it, and doesn't say much else.
This cover letter gives the full name, title and address of the agent or editor as the inside address.
It includes your name, address in full, telephone number and your e-mail address.


-- Do not send the ms USPS certified, signature confirmation, return receipt, restricted delivery or anything that requires a signature.

-- Write 'requested materials' or 'requested manuscript' on the envelope. Use a laundry marker or other black pen instead of your BIC so it shows up.


Here, you get to make a choice.

-- You can use either TNR or Courier. Both fonts have their advocates. Unless the agent or editor specifies on their website or elsewhere what they want, in which case you use that. (I asked.)

-- You do not need to enclose an SASE. SASE is required for query letters and partials. When you get to the full ms stage, the agent or editor should be willing to pay $.41 to give you a rejection, (or pay for a phone call to accept you.) You can enclose an SASE if you want to, though.

-- If you want to make sure the ms arrived, you can use Delivery Confirmation or include a self addressed post card.

-- You can put the ms in a ms box and address and mail the box.
You can put the ms in a manuscript box and put that box in another box which you address and mail.
You can put the ms in a box that is more or less the right size and mail that.
You can put the ms in a box supplied by USPS or your delivery company.
You can put rubber bands on the ms.
You can not put rubber bands on the ms.
You can mail the ms in a tyvek envelope with or without rubber bands.
You can put the ms in a box and mail it in a tyvek envelope ....
Do you see where I am going with this ...?

-- You can use the USPS or you can use a delivery service like DHL, UPS, or Fedex. I prefer a delivery service because I have not found the Post Office to be reliable.

-- If you go USPS, you can send it first class or priority. Media mail may be slow and chancy.

-- If you have put rubberbands on the manuscript, you put the cover page inside the rubberband and the cover letter outside. Or not.

--If you have put rubberbands on the manuscript, you put the SASE envelope or the self-addressed post card on top of the cover letter. Or not.

[johnzakour]

DO NOT use those padded envelopes that shed a million pieces when you rip them up. You know, the kinds with cardboard fillings... If you use one of those envelopes, chances are you will piss the agent off so bad that the ms. would go directly to the trash, with the #%$#$%& envelope.

Yeah, I never thought about that. I guess it's a bit different when you are sending a manuscript to prospective agents rather than your publisher. Still, I've sold 13 books and I've sent all of them in big envelopes and I use the padded ones when I am sending a DVD with the word doc on it along with the paper. Never once have my publishers or my agent cursed me out (at least not over envelope choice).

I always assumed the envelopes are just recycled not shredded.

[maestrowork]

There are different kinds of padded envelopes. The ones I use (for books, CDs, etc.) are lined with bubble wrap, not shredded cardboard. Those are perfectly fine.

[scully931]

Don't justify? Dang. Why is that - I'm just curious. I prefer reading neatly justified pages as I think it looks neater. Glad I saw that as I believe I have been justifying. AHA! THAT'S why I got those rejections. I knew there was a reason! ;)

Also, do you give a short synopsis in your cover letter for requested material? I usually just give a small paragraph recap.

[job]

You don't right justify. No.

Why not?

Well, these are, like, y'know ... 'rules'. Rules don't have to make sense.

But it could be that it's easier to read endless pages and more endless pages if the spaces between words are predictable. Right justifying looks prettier, but the spaces between words get all wonky.

That would be my guess as to why they don't want you to right justify.

No. Nobody is going to reject good material because it is right justified.
However they may not read it with the rapt attention and joyful anticipation it deserves
because they are pissed off
at you.

As to a short synopsis in the cover letter that goes with the ms.
Remember, you are sending requested material.. The editor or agent has a file with your original synopsis and your well-crafted, suspenseful query letter in it.

So. She doesn't need to read a synopsis again.

There is nothing wrong with saying ..
"... my 110,000-word, detective novel, The Dolphin's Dilemma, the story of the investigation of the death of Ahab which led to the indictment and trial of Moby Dick. It is told from the point of view of the Detective Sergent Gramingo, a dolphin ..."
but at this point descrption of the ms is rather OBE since the ms is right there.

[maestrowork]

Is there a reason why you MUST use justified when the rest of the world prefers otherwise? NEVER give an agent an extra excuse to reject you. You can argue all you want: "Oh, if it's a good ms. they wouldn't reject it because of that one little thing." I can tell you many incidents when the ms. is just good enough but the writer appears to ignore submission guidelines that they pass on the ms. There's always other mss. -- probably better mss. They want to work with a writer who are professional and can follow guidelines.

And no synopsis is needed if the full is requested. They already have that information (assuming you already went through the query/partial phase). In the cover letter, simply state your name and what this is and that you're sending them the full ms. (TITLE, word count, genre) per their request. That's all.

[scully931]

Is there a reason why you MUST use justified when the rest of the world prefers otherwise?

Oh, no. Of course not. I don't have to justify. I was just um... asking a question. :gone: Thanks! :-)

[Elektra]

I would think it's one of those things that harks back to typewriter days--how are you gonna right justify on a manual? Also, the whole 250-per-page rule would be even less accurate that way.

[jodiodi]

Another suggestion: They have free boxes at the USPS that are flat-rate priority mail. It could save you some money 'cause it's the same price regardless of weight. I use flat-rate priority for everything.

[MightyScribbler]

You don't right justify. No.

Why not?

Well, these are, like, y'know ... 'rules'. Rules don't have to make sense.

But it could be that it's easier to read endless pages and more endless pages if the spaces between words are predictable. Right justifying looks prettier, but the spaces between words get all wonky.

That would be my guess as to why they don't want you to right justify.

No. Nobody is going to reject good material because it is right justified.
However they may not read it with the rapt attention and joyful anticipation it deserves
because they are pissed off
at you.

As to a short synopsis in the cover letter that goes with the ms.
Remember, you are sending requested material.. The editor or agent has a file with your original synopsis and your well-crafted, suspenseful query letter in it.

So. She doesn't need to read a synopsis again.

There is nothing wrong with saying ..
"... my 110,000-word, detective novel, The Dolphin's Dilemma, the story of the investigation of the death of Ahab which led to the indictment and trial of Moby Dick. It is told from the point of view of the Detective Sergent Gramingo, a dolphin ..."
but at this point descrption of the ms is rather OBE since the ms is right there.

Ok, when I was asked to send my full, I was asked to include the original query with the manuscript and to mark the box/envelope requested materials. I need a cover letter in addition? Seems like putting a query and a cover would be weird. Can I get away without the cover letter? I was going to send my full today but I won't be near my HP laser jet and my 20-ib paper till tonight, and I haven't written a cover, so if I include one then I would have to wait till tomorrow to send. There is that rule "send only what they ask for, nothing more, nothing less."

[MightyScribbler]

Job - I won't requote your checklist in the interest of saving space, but that's some good stuff, thanks.

[DeadlyAccurate]

-- You do not need to enclose an SASE. SASE is required for query letters and partials. When you get to the full ms stage, the agent or editor should be willing to pay $.41 to give you a rejection, (or pay for a phone call to accept you.) You can enclose an SASE if you want to, though.

I'm going to disagree with this one. To be on the safe side, absolutely send the SASE! Don't try to save $0.41 at this stage.

[job]

>>>Ok, when I was asked to send my full, I was asked to include the original query with the manuscript <<<<

This is a good safety measure.
My cover letter went something like --

.
"Dear Ms Excellent Agent --

I'm so glad you want to see the full manuscript of 'Etching the Elephant'. Hope you enjoy it.

I've enclosed my query letter and your response for reference.

JoB
.

One can also slap a copy of the synopsis on top of the ms.
Nobody said you have to do this.
It is a belt-and-suspenders sort of thing, designed to make it easy for the poor agent or editor who may have mislaid the thing.
If you are submitting directly to an editor, it is especially important she have the synopsis because she uses this as a tool for pitching your ms to the review board at the publisher.


My advice would be to send a cover letter
rather than just slap the old query letter on top and send the ms out.
But this is not going to make or break your submission.
It is the merest civility.
There is no rule you have to do this.


Did you leaf through the ms page by page and make sure every single page was there and there were no blank pages interpolated and all the pages were printed out neatly, in full, and without smudges?

If you have to delay one more day before sending out the ms,
that's ok.
.
.

[FloVoyager]

I'm not a WalMart fan, to say the least, but I found manuscript mailers there a while back. White, the perfect size, and cheap.

[MightyScribbler]

>>>Ok, when I was asked to send my full, I was asked to include the original query with the manuscript <<<<

This is a good safety measure.
My cover letter went something like --

.
"Dear Ms Excellent Agent --

I'm so glad you want to see the full manuscript of 'Etching the Elephant'. Hope you enjoy it.

I've enclosed my query letter and your response for reference.

JoB
.

One can also slap a copy of the synopsis on top of the ms.
Nobody said you have to do this.
It is a belt-and-suspenders sort of thing, designed to make it easy for the poor agent or editor who may have mislaid the thing.
If you are submitting directly to an editor, it is especially important she have the synopsis because she uses this as a tool for pitching your ms to the review board at the publisher.


My advice would be to send a cover letter
rather than just slap the old query letter on top and send the ms out.
But this is not going to make or break your submission.
It is the merest civility.
There is no rule you have to do this.


Did you leaf through the ms page by page and make sure every single page was there and there were no blank pages interpolated and all the pages were printed out neatly, in full, and without smudges?

If you have to delay one more day before sending out the ms,
that's ok.
.
.

Sorry for quoting your entire thing here job, I'm too tired to pick and choose. I wrote two versions, the first says:

"Per your request, I have enclosed the full manuscript for The Best Novel Ever, a thriller complete at 115,000 words and totaling 420 pages. Thanks for asking to see it, I hope you enjoy it, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks again for your time."

The second says:

"Per your request, I have enclosed the full manuscript for The Best Novel Ever, a thriller complete at 115,000 words and totaling 420 pages. I look forward to hearing from you."

And I did look at the manuscript twice for missing or cut off pgs. I have a laser jet and I can only do about 25 pages at a time before it starts smearing, so I had to do several rounds of printing to get the whole thing-should have gone to staples. I'm dying to look at it one more time, but I think I have to let that thing called faith kick in at some point.

I have:
Printed the whole thing on 20-lb paper - no binding or anything.
Enclosed the entire book inside a doc box, fits perfect.
Included an SASE
Included a cover letter - have 2 versions and have to pick one.
Included a cover sheet - title, my name, my address dead center of the page - nothing more.
Spelled the name and address correctly on all items.
Printed address labels for the to and from.
Double checked every single page.
Enclosed my original query letter as requested by them.
Printed "requested material" on a label.

and I think that's it, am I forgetting anything?

oh, and I also remembered to write the best book ever, which I'm guessing is the least important in all of this.

Thanks again for suggesting the cover letter/page Job, it does look more professional inside the box.

[Raphee]

All I wanyt to say is Congrats and Best of LUCK.

[job]

Looks like you got all the bases covered.

Congratulations on getting this request for a full, and good luck.

[Neeli]

Congratulations again!

I know it's too late to add anything to your submission, but for those other folks reading I wanted to add that in "The Marshall Plan for Getting Your Novel Published" Evan Marshall recommends putting a one sentence or so reminder in your cover letter of what your story's about, because agents tend to forget what it was they asked to see.

Best of luck!

[MightyScribbler]

Looks like you got all the bases covered.

Congratulations on getting this request for a full, and good luck.


Yeah, but the one thing that worries me is I was being rushed by the USPS person who handed me packaging tape and told me to tape it. Which I had expected but she started rushing me and so I did, I feel, a crap taping job. I'm freaking out that that thing will bust en route. Think I'll go with FedEx or UPS no signature next time - if there is a next time.

[Alorac]

Help. I received a request for a full that specifically asked me to include a SASE for the return of my material. Since it weighs over 13 ounces, the agent would have to go to the Post Office to mail it with my stamps, as I understand the new rules. I don't want it back, but should I ignore their request and send only a SASE for a response, suggested the manuscript be recycled, or do some agents not want to bother recycling?

Also, I've always put my manuscript between two pieces of cardboard and rubberbanded the whole thing instead of using a box. Is that a no-no?

Thanks.

[lkp]

Let them know in the cover letter you send with the full that they may dispose of the manuscript.

[Prawn]

For a full, PAY THE EXTRA FIVE BUCKS FOR DELIVERY CONFIRMATION. When you haven't heard back in a month or two, it will be worth to know for sure it actually arrived.

[job]

Speaking only of full manuscripts here --- I use the private delivery services.

I've never had a single problem with FedEx, UPS or DHL going to a business office in NYC.
I have had endless turmoil and difficulty and lost packages and seriously delayed delivery with USPS.

If you're sending out sevens or tens or a dozens of full manuscripts this month, and USPS media mail makes the difference in paying the electric bill --
then use USPS.
Put a stamped postcard on top of your manuscript saying 'This manuscript has been received by the Upandcoming Literary Agency'. Upandcoming will send that to you when they get your ms.

If you're sending one or two fulls a month, then I'd go with the low-end rate from the private services.

[job]

Think I'll go with FedEx or UPS no signature next time - if there is a next time.

Of course there will be a next time. Getting one request for a full makes it almost certain you'll get another.
If getting published were an LA-to-NYC roller skate race, getting a request for a full is hitting Albany.

[ORION]

I'm with Job. BTW when I go back and forth with copyediting with Putnam and they are sending me marked up manuscripts to check - they use fed ex envelopes and rubber band the manuscript to two thin cardboard pieces - It seems to work fine --
When I was querying I never asked for my material back- Also I never used the USPS. I always used a service like fed ex and never requested a signature - I just took down the tracking number and was always able to see if it was delivered.
With LOTTERY though all my requests for fulls were electronic.

[Alorac]

Thanks everyone. I was nervous because they so specifically requested return postage for the manuscript. I didn't want to annoy them by not doing it and requesting they recycle, although that makes much more sense for all. I ended up spending more than $10 to send the ms. USPS and the same in return postage on a large envelope. Next time I'll use Fed Ex or UPS. I know they don't like to bother signing for things. This is only my second request for a full, so I'm extra sensitive about doing everything right!