So you’ve finished your children’s book manuscript and now it’s time to drop it in the mail. Do you fold it, staple it, or paper clip it? What size envelope is best? Should you mail it first class or overnight? As simple as it may seem, mailing a children’s book submission requires a little know-how – especially if you want your manuscript to arrive at its destination safely and timely.
Here are the basic rules for mailing a children’s book manuscript through the postal service.
Start With Proper Envelopes When Mailing Children’s Book Manuscripts
Picture book manuscripts, if less than six pages, are small enough to fit in a regular business-size (#10) envelope, which will allow space for an SASE too. Larger manuscripts, such as chapter book manuscripts and novel-length submissions, will need either a mailing box or a 9x12 envelope, plus a similar size SASE if you want the entire manuscript returned – all with adequate mailing postage. Address the book submission to the proper editor, using a professional-looking label.
Package a Children's Book Submission Properly
If using a business envelope, neatly fold the manuscript with cover letter and the SASE in thirds. Small book submissions can also be folded in halves and mailed in 6x9 envelopes. Children’s book manuscripts to be mailed in 9x12 envelopes or postal mailing boxes should not be folded, paper clipped, or stapled; however, be sure the manuscript has your name and title on each page, along with correct numbering. Then slip the loose book submission into the prepared envelope or mailer.
Postal Mailing Class for Manuscript Submissions
First Class mailing is the quickest way to get your manuscript to the publisher – and worth the extra bit of expense. Mailing book submissions first class also allows for forwarding up to one year (in case the publisher has moved) and return if undeliverable. For those who need faster delivery or extra assurance that the book submission reaches its destination, overnight, priority, UPS, and certified mail are other postal mailing options.
Other Considerations for Mailing Children’s Book Manuscripts
Here are a few other things to consider when mailing a children’s book manuscript:
- If mailing a book submission to another country, include an SASE and the necessary number of IRCs (International Reply Coupons), per the postal service’s guidance.
- If you don’t want a large manuscript returned, there’s no need for a large SASE; instead, include a regular SASE or a self-addressed stamped reply postcard (with options to check off) for the publisher’s response.
- Artwork may need to be mailed in a separate, padded envelope and placed between cardboard secured with tape or rubber bands.
- Mailing children’s book manuscripts by e-mail may be possible, as long as the publisher allows it; check writer’s guidelines before choosing this mailing method.
- Give a publisher at least three months to respond to a children’s book submission mailing, then follow up with a courteous status request by way of a letter or e-mail.
Given all the effort that goes into writing a children’s book manuscript, you’ll want to make sure it’s mailed properly. Following the above tips will help guarantee that your book submission reaches the publisher still intact and in good time – which will make waiting for a response a little easier.
For more post-writing tips for children’s writers see:
Acknowledgments – Front Matter That Matters When Writing a Book
The Cheerios New Author Award for Unpublished Children’s Writers
Self-Published Children’s Authors Can Put Overstock Books to Use
Sources:
2011 Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s Market, 23rd Annual Edition.
Society of Children’s Book Writer’s and Illustrators. “From Keyboard to Printed Page.”
Susie Yakowicz - Susie Yakowicz is a Minnesota freelance writer whose work has appeared in dozens of publications for children and adults.
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