The art of SASE

[The Jade Knight]

So I'm still fairly new to the application process, and I was wondering if I could get some advice on how to include SASEs with a submission.

When sending off a manuscript (assuming it would fit in a standard manilla envelope), what type of envelope do you normally include (and what type of envelope do you stick it all in)?  Do you apply the stamps on the envelope, or do you include them, but don't stick them on the envelope?  Do you fold up the envelope, or try to keep it straight?

If I'm submitting poetry (that would fit into a standard letter envelope), should I send it all in a full envelope or is it acceptable to fold up the poetry and submit it?  If it should remain unfolded, is it okay to only include a letter-sized envelope, or should the SASE also be full?


I think that should about cover it . . .

[stacer]

If you want your manuscript back, you include a SASE that it fits in (can't tell you *how* many times I've not been able to fit the MS in the SASE). Then you weigh that, put postage on it, clip it all together and put it in another envelope. Depending on the size of the manuscript, you'll adjust your envelope accordingly. If your MS is disposable, just include a No. 10 business-size envelope (NOT the little personal sized ones) with the postage that'll get it back to you from your destination (i.e., if you live in Canada and are sending to a U.S. house, make sure to include a postage order or whatever those are called, not Canadian stamps).

[Peter Ahlstrom]

Well. Some editors say to take your manuscript out of the SASE before you put it into the envelope to mail it. There is nothing more tempting to reject than a manuscript that's already in the SASE.

I believe that if your total manuscript is 4 pages or less, it's fine to send it in a #10. But it could get lost easily that way. A big envelope is slightly less easy to lose.

[stacer]

Oh, goodness, I hope I didn't imply that you mailed the manuscript *in* the SASE. I meant to weigh it all so you get the right postage, then put it all (folded nicely and separately) in another envelope.

[Peter Ahlstrom]

Yeah, I realized you didn't exactly say that, after I already posted, but decided it wasn't worth an edit.