Writing Etiquette Tips and No No's

How's your writing etiquette?  Say what?  Do you know how to present a submission to an editor so it won't wind up in the 'round file'?

If you're a beginning writer who wants to have their work actually read by an editor who might just have a niche for your story or article, you need to avoid certain pitfalls when submitting your stories.

I've had some editors and publishers tell me some strange stories about writers who did some pretty weird things when submitting their work, hoping to get it published.

1) Don't express a concern about your work getting stolen for Pete's sake!  Most editors will tell you that the writer who fears his/her words will get stolen is most likely the least to have anything worth stealing.

2) What type of stationary are you using?  Is it something cutesy with decorative borders?  Have you had your stationary printed with the words Freelance Writer or some other title on your letterhead?  Don't do that!  Let your writing speak for itself. Later on, if you reach your goal of getting published and have established yourself, you can always have your name printed on your stationary. In other words, keep your stationary simplistic in appearance. Neat and simple.

3) Here's one most of you might have already heard about via your writers groups. I've heard it said that some amateur writers will actaully place a long hair in between two pages to see if editor has actually read their work. Another thing that screams amateur is putting one page upside down to see if editor will straighten it out upon reading. One editor told me a submission actually had two pages slightly sticking together to see if editor had actually read their submission. If you do any of the above stated, you're work will be seen as very unprofessional will quickly be tossed.

4) Don't submit a hand written manuscript and once you've submitted your manuscript, don't EVER ask for it to be returned to you immediately upon receipt cuz' you forgot to do sumpthin' or other. Eeegads!

5)  You're not thinking about enclosing a photo of yourself are you?  Get real! Don't do that, unless it's part of the submission guidelines.  Oh yeah, which brings up the next question.

6)  Have your read and re-read the submission guidelines for your targeted editor or publisher?  Please say YES to that one!  Need I say more? 

7)  There are several other tips I could give you but I'll quit with this last one.  Don't ever tell an editor that he/she NEEDS to buy your story because it was divinely inspired.  It won't get you anywhere, and . . .they've read that one before.

Wishing you the best of luck with your next submission. Don't forget to do your homework and be patient. Editors, receive hundreds of submissions each week. It may take several weeks or even two or three months before you receive an answer.  Be sure and keep track of all your submissions to the various editors or publishing houses. Follow their specific guidelines. (most have websites nowadays)  Some publishers won't accept multiple submissions of your work. In other words they want you to send your submission to them only and not to other publishers as well. Other publishing houses don't have that rule. READ THE GUIDELINES and follow them explicitely.  Remember not to ever give up and don't take rejections personally. It's all part of the submissions process. Just be persistent and eventually you will get purlished.