.Dianne E. Butts About Writing
The Writing E-zine for Beginning and Intermediate Writers.
August 2007 ~ 207 Subscribers
Cover Story:
"Submitting Your Articles"
Back to school time is fast approaching and maybe that's a good time to review basics. Besides that, I've learned that some of my writing friends are just starting out and may need to know the basics. So I've decided this would be a good time to review the basics of manuscript submission. Even if you're a seasoned writer I hope you'll not skip this issue. A few months ago a friend of mine won a copy of my mini-book "The Basics for Beginners." Being a long-time writer she didn't think she needed it. But when I saw her a few weeks later, she said, "I learned something from your little book! You had some points I hadn't thought of and some tips that were new to me--like not putting our social security number on our manuscripts anymore." We can always learn something new, so I hope you'll enjoy reviewing basics this month.
Proper Manuscript Format
If you are new to submitting your articles for publication, you need to know proper manuscript format. This is the format for submitting your articles by hard copy through regular mail or in person at a writer's conference or wherever you may meet an editor. (There are some differences for submitting your manuscripts by e-mail. I'll address those differences below in the Q & A section.)
In the upper left hand corner type your contact information: your real name, mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address. Add your web site URL if you wish. (I do.)
In the upper right hand corner type what rights you are offering. (If your piece has not been published before, you are offering First Rights.) Under that, type the word count for your manuscript. (Count just the body of the manuscript, not the title or bio.)
Center the title of your manuscript one half to two thirds of the way down the page.
Beneath the title type "by" and the way you want your name to appear on the byline. If you're using a pseudonym, put it here, but always put your real name in the upper left-hand corner.
Leave two to three (double-spaced) blank lines. Then begin your manuscript.
From your first line down, your manuscript should be double-spaced. (On the typewriter, hit return twice between lines. On the word processor, select "double" on the line spacing menu.)
Indent paragraphs. Do not double-space between paragraphs.
Use only one space after the period between sentences.
On page two and following, use a header to put your manuscript's title (or a portion of it), your name (or last name), and "Page" with consecutive page numbers.
Dianne's Time-Saving TIP:
Make a blank formatted manuscript template. Put all your information in the upper left, leave room to insert rights and word-count in the upper right, center "Title," "by," and your name, and type "Start here" where your manuscript should start. Set up your double-spacing, and headers on page two and following. Save this document as "Manuscript Template." When you're ready to start a new manuscript, open this document and re-save it with a new name--preferably a portion of your manuscript title. With inserting only a few pieces of information (rights, your title, the title in your header, etc.) you're ready to roll.
Of course when submitting by regular mail, or when leaving a manuscript with an editor in person, always include a SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope). If you don't, don't expect to hear back from them about your manuscript.
Dianne's TIP:
If your manuscript was requested after a query or at a conference, mark the outside of your envelope as "Requested Manuscript" to avoid the slush pile.
If you would like more on the basics of submitting your manuscripts, my 8-page mini-book, "The Basics for Beginners: How to Find Markets, Submit your Manuscripts, and Keep Track of it All" contains more information to help you get started. For more details, or to purchase from my web site for only $3.99 plus shipping, click here: "The Basics for Beginners" or go to www.DianneEButts.com, click "About Writing," then click the "Mini-Books for Writers" on the left, then click the text link in the title "Basics for Beginners." You may order and pay with your credit card through PayPal (a safe way to pay, owned by EBay). Or send me your payment ($3.95 + $1.00) and order by snail-mail to P.O. Box 8784, Pueblo, CO 81008.
Another resource for beginning writers is my seminar on three 90-minute tapes (handouts included). More information here: "Writing for Publication" and on www.DianneEButts.com .
Section 2:
Q & A: Dianne Answers Your Questions about Writing
Q: Do I do anything differently when submitting my manuscript by e-mail?
A: Yes. When submitting by e-mail, check the market's guidelines or a market guide to see if they prefer to receive your manuscript as an attached document or copied and pasted into the body of the e-mail. I often do both so the editor can take his or her pick.
If you copy and paste your manuscript into the body of your e-mail, you will want to make some changes:
Because it can be difficult or time-consuming to delete formatting in a received manuscript, remove formatting before submitting it--especially the double-spacing. (Otherwise your manuscript has that extra line after every line of text that the editor will have to remove manually. That's a drag. Keep your editor happy by making things easy for him or her...) Before you copy your manuscript from your file, make the entire document single-spaced. (Just don't save it and you can take it right back to double-spaced after you copy it.) Then copy and paste it into your e-mail.
If you have subheads in your article, remove any bold or underline formatting. You may also want to left justify subheads instead of centering them.
I always leave my contact information on the e-mailed manuscript just like it would be on a printed hard copy to make it as easy as possible for the editor to contact me if he or she needs to do so.
When you copy and paste your manuscript into an e-mail, your headers on pages two and following shouldn't show up...and that's fine.
Use the "Subject" line to let the editor know it is a "Submission: [title]" or "Requested Manuscript: [title]" if it was requested after a query or at a conference.
Dianne's TIP:
Years ago it was standard procedure to include your social security number (SSN) on all manuscripts. However today with the threat of identity theft, I no longer put my SSN on my manuscripts. Protect your identity--protect your social security number. While most publications still require your SSN in order to pay you, I haven't yet run into one that objects to me not including it on my submitted manuscript. If they accept my manuscript and need my SSN, they'll request it.
Sidebar
"Tracking Your Submissions"
As you submit your articles, you're going to need a way to keep track of them. Some writers put a sheet of paper in the manuscript's file folder or write on the cover of the folder. I use a double-entry system on 4" by 6" index cards. I keep it on my desk and have all the information I need at my fingertips. Here's my system for tracking my manuscripts:
Each manuscript has a card with the manuscript title top and center. Each market I submit to has a card with the market's name top and center. I keep manuscript cards in one 4 x 6 file box separated by dividers for "First Rights," "Reprints," and "Available Manuscripts." I keep my market cards in a another 4 x 6 file box alphabetized with alphabetical dividers.
Every card has three columns:
On the left side, the date submitted.
On the right side, the date returned and the decision ("No" or "ACCEPTED!")
In the middle: On the manuscript card I record the market to which I sent it. On the market card I record the manuscript I sent them.
Whatever I need to know...
... when I sent out a manuscript
... to whom I sent it
... whether it has been long enough that I should be following up
... whether an article is available
...I can pull the manuscript card and have the information I need at my fingertips.
If I need to know
... what I've submitted to a certain market over the years
... whether I already submitted a manuscript to a market (maybe a few years ago)
... how long a particular market usually takes to respond
...I can pull the market card and have the information I need at my fingertips.
Supplies List:
4 x 6 index cards
Two 4 x 6 index card boxes
Optional: 4 x 6 alphabetical dividers
Optional: stick-on divider tabs to create your own dividers
Glossary by Dianne:
market: a periodical or book publisher or other buyer to which we may submit our manuscripts.
Section 3:
Period.
When submitting your manuscripts, neatness counts! Run spell-check, but don't rely on it. Proof-read carefully. Let your manuscript cool for some time so you can see your typos, missing steps in logic, or other mistakes. Check transitions between points to make sure they are clear and logical. Make sure all your contact information is provided and your name, title, and pages numbers are in headers after page one in case your printed manuscript gets separated in the slush pile or on the editor's desk. The more polished your manuscript, the more likely it will stand above all the others the editor sees, so make it as neat and clean as possible.
You can do it! Period. No buts about it.
Back Cover Copy
How to support this e-zine: When you click on links in this e-zine and on my web site, you are supporting this e-zine. If you plan to make any purchases from any of the companies listed in this e-zine or on my web site, if you would kindly return here or to the site and click through my links, you will be supporting this e-zine so I can continue publishing it. Thank you! Your kindness and support is not unnoticed.
Also, feel free to forward this e-zine in its entirety to others who may be interested. They can get their own free subscription at www.DianneEButts.com. Thanks again!
Bio: Dianne E. Butts has been writing for publication since 1989 with 200+ articles in more than 50 periodicals and over a dozen books. Her articles have appeared in Focus on the Family magazine, The Lookout, Light and Life, The Salvation Army's War Cry, The Plain Truth, On Mission, Bible Advocate, Live, Evangel, the Christian Motorcyclists Association's HeartBeat, The Quiet Hour, Christian Communicator, and SpiritLedWriter.com. Book contributions include stories in Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul 2, For Better or Worse: A Devotional for Married Couples by Marlene Bagnull, Beauty is Soul Deep, A Cup of Comfort Devotional for Women and Mothers, and Zondervan's New Women's Devotional Bible. Her work has appeared in Great Britain, Poland, Bulgaria, Canada, and Korea.
All material in this e-zine is copyright 2007 Dianne E. Butts. All rights reserved.
You may forward this e-zine in its entirety to other interested writers. Better yet, they can get their own subscription at www.DianneEButts.com.
For reprint rights contact Dianne at dbwrites@comcast.net, P.O. Box 8784, Pueblo, CO 81008.
Subtopic 1:
Pull Quote
"Like many writers, I spend my days riding two horses galloping in opposite directions: one driven by an inexplicable confidence, the other hampered by an unshakable insecurity."
Charles Gulotta in his article "What one self-publisher learned on the Bumpy Path to 100,000 Book Sales," The Writer, June 2007, page 30.
Drawing
Winner!
Many thanks to everyone who entered last month's drawing! And the winner is... (drum roll drum roll drum roll...)
Many thanks to
Kathi Macias
for donating a
copy of her book!
Here's what Debbie won:
The Train-of-Thought Writing Method
by Kathi Macias
This is not a book about proper grammar or punctuation, or how to choose the voice or set the scene for the great American novel. But if you want to know how best to take your thoughts and dreams and put them into a clear, compelling, readable manuscript, then this is the book for you. The Train-of-Thought Writing Method offers practical advice and easy-to-follow exercises to help develop the following:
Establishing and remaining on focus
Captivating beginnings
Organization and logical layout/progression of manuscript points
Smooth Transitions
Need for and effective use of powerful, descriptive words
Satisfying endings that make readers want to come back for another "ride"
Kathi Macias is the author of twenty books, including three soon-to-be-released from New Hope Publishers: A HIGHER CALLING: Modeling a You-First Love in a Me-First World; HOW CAN I RUN A TIGHT SHIP WHEN I’M SURROUNDED BY LOOSE CANNONS?; MOTHERS OF THE BIBLE SPEAK TO MOTHERS TODAY ( www.kathimacias.com )
~ ~ ~
My Book: Dear America: A Letter of Comfort and Hope to a Grieving Nation
(Ampelos, 2002). Available from
www.DianneEButts.com or here, from Amazon.com: Dear
America, - A Letter of Comfort & Hope to a Grieving Nation
Subtopic 2:
Helpful Resources
"The Basics for Beginners": 8 1/2 x 11, 8 pages. Only $3.95 plus $1.00 shipping and handling. Order from Dianne's web site here: "The Basics for Beginners" or go to www.DianneEButts.com, click "About Writing," then click the "Mini-Books for Writers" on the left, then click the "Basics for Beginners" button. You may order and pay with your credit card through PayPal (a safe way to pay, owned by EBay). Or send your payment and order by snail-mail to P.O. Box 8784, Pueblo, CO 81008.
"Writing for Publication: How to Find Markets and Submit Your Work" is available on three 90-minute tapes bundled with all the handouts for $24.99. On the "About Writing" side of my site, click on "Writing Seminar."
Sally Stuart's book on writing and speaking.
Sally Stuart's Guide to Getting Published (Reference/Literary)
A Christian Writer's Manual of Style
The Christian Writer's Manual of Style: Updated and Expanded Edition
Market Guides
Writer's Market 2007 (Writer's Market)
Save 30% Off All Letterhead, Brochures, Flyers, Folders
Subtopic 3:
Coming Conferences:
August 9 - 11: Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, Philadelphia, PA. Also with Angela Hunt and many more... www.WriteHisAnswer.com
August 26 - September 2: Northwest Christian Writers' Alaskan Cruise! www.nwchristianwriters.org/default.asp?id=9611
September 21 - 22: Act One: Writing for Hollywood Screenwriting Weekend, Washington D.C.. Also: Hollywood Insider Event Sept. 22, 3:00-6:00 pm, $10. www.actoneprogram.com
September 20 - 23: American Christian Fiction Writers Conference featuring novelist and columnist for Writer's Digest, James Scott Bell. Dallas, Texas. www.americanchristianfictionwriters.com/conference/ www.acfw.com
September 3 - October 3: Sandy Cove Christian Writers Conference, North East, Maryland. 800-234-2683 www.jameswatkins.com/sandycove.htm www.sandycove.org
Dianne's Writing News
I'm delighted to learn my story "Dear America: Under God You Are a Blessing," an adaptation from my book Dear America, appears in the recently released book Secure the Fort (And Remain Under God): A Military Mother's Message to America by Lucy Cain (Xlibris, July 2007).
Article: "The Tabernacle: Silhouette of the Messiah's Work," appeared in the July 15th issue of The Lookout. www.lookoutmag.com .
Article: "Who's Calling: How the Sheep Know the Shepherd's Voice" is running in the July/August issue of Bible Advocate. http://cog7.org/BA/
Article: "Wanna Go To Church?" is scheduled to appear in a fall issue of Encounter, a magazine for teens.
What's New on www.DianneEButts.com :
I've just added a...
Glossary of Writing Terms -- Definitions by Dianne. Running into terms you're not sure of? Need a tad more information? Find what you need for your writing success at www.DianneEButts.com.
Writing Opportunities
God Allows U-Turns is accepting true stories for three volumes: Parents Setting Boundaries, Boomer Babes Speak Out, and Writing from the Heart and Soul. More details here: Writing Opportunities.
SpiritLedWriter.com needs articles.
Guideposts Books is accepting stories for When Miracles Happen: "40 true stories describing how someone's life was changed in an extraordinary way...and exploration of the ways God intervenes in our lives." Editors want clean, first person stories of miracles, large and small. Miracles and Animals: deadline 8/17/07; Miracles and God's Word: deadline 9/14/07. More details here: Writing Opportunities.
Visit www.DianneEButts.com for:
A Daily Writing Tip ... on the About Writing page. Plus an extensive list of writers conferences and resources.
A Daily Cartoon...on the For Bikers page. Plus Dianne's line of Christian Biker Pins.
A Bible Verse of the Day...on the About Christianity page
Visit my other web site and blog:
Want to use your writing to make a difference in our nation? Visit my other web site and blog:
Archives of Dianne E. Butts About Writing:
Links on the "About Writing" page of www.DianneEButts.com or here: Archives
Coming in the next issue of Dianne E. Butts About Writing:
"Submitting Your Books (Write a Book Proposal?! Help!)"
