How to send a snail-mail submission to a magazine
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You researched the markets. You double-checked your manuscript for typos. You're ready to get published... but exactly how does the process work? Here's an easy guide.1 - the guidelines
The first and most obvious step is to comply with the guidelines. The guidelines are produced by the editor or owner of the publication. They explain the requirements you need to follow to be considered. Almost every magazine will have their guidelines available on their Web site. Some magazines will require articles follow a theme, or be only of a specific length. Poetry magazines may cap the number of poems they will consider. Whatever the guidelines state, be sure you know them and are working with them.
2 - the envelopes
If you're sending a story or article, you'll need one 9"x12" catalog mailer (a manila envelope). Depending upon whether you want the manuscript back, you'll need a second manila envelope (to get the MS back) or else a smaller #10 business envelope (roughly 4" x 9.5").
If you're sending poems, you'll need a #10 business envelope (roughly 4" x 9.5"), and a #9 reply envelope (it's a little smaller than the #10, so it can fit inside). If you can't find a #9, you can substitute another #10 envelope, folded into thirds.
In either case, address the small envelope to yourself, and put postage on it. Address the big envelope to the publication. Put the small envelope into the big envelope.
3 - the printout
Print out a clean copy of your poems/story/article.
4 - the cover letter
Write up a cover letter. Keep it short, perhaps 2 paragraphs. In the opening paragraph, you might mention a previous publication you appeared in. Or, you might mention something the magazine published that appealed to you, just to let the editor know you're actually reading the magazine. For the second paragraph, mention the title(s) of the work you are sending. This is a business letter, so follow the standard business letter format you learned in high school.
5 - put it all together
Put the cover letter with your manuscript. If this is poetry, fold it in thirds, and place it in the envelope. If this is an article/story, put it in the large envelope, unfolded. Seal up the envelope, put on the proper postage, and send it off.
Tip: if you ever send something to an editor and it arrives postage due, you've pretty much doomed yourself. Weigh your letter if you're unsure, and get the correct postage.
Tip 2: That little envelope you put inside the big one? That's called a S.A.S.E. It stands for Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope. You provide it so that the editor can send you a reply.
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