Ask Sally #21 Presenting your manuscript

I've already given some tips on formatting work but these questions relate to presentation of a manuscript.

When I completed my final year degree thesis, it was properly bound and presented. But I've heard that magazine editors want stories to be submitted with a single paperclip holding it together and no binding. This doesn't feel right - after all that effort, shouldn't I at least send the story in a nice plastic folder?

If the magazine has asked that you only send your manuscript held together with a paperclip, then it is wise to do as they ask. A nice plastic folder says nothing about the story within, and the editor won't want his/her time taken up removing stories from plastic folders, replacing them etc. Also, their filing system might be such that a plastic folder will be a burden, especially if they have to worry about sending it back to you.

I must say I don't think an editor will turn down your work if it's stapled instead of paperclipped, but apparently paperclips are preferred because the editor can manipulate the pages more easily.


We all hear that agents and publishers have large slush piles. How can I make my manuscript stand out? Would it help my chances if I use coloured ink? Send my photo? And is it all right to bind the manuscript with pink ribbon?


You can make your manuscript stand out by writing a good story/novel. NEVER use coloured ink. Firstly because it strikes of desperation, and secondly because it is very hard to read on the page. Stick to black ink and an easy to read font, like Times New Roman or Arial 12pt.

Sending your photograph is also a waste of time. They're not interested in how you look. They only want to know how you write. Unless, of course, you happen to be stunningly beautiful or Jordan. If you look anything like me, middle aged overweight grandma, then a photograph is probably a very bad idea.

As I've already said above, if the guidelines state that you should only bind your pages together with a paperclip, then stick to that. No pretty pink ribbon, no leather bound tomes. Don't send it attached to a sexy kissogram with accompanying song. Just let your work speak for itself.

Follow all guidelines, and if there are no guidelines, use the basic formatting guidelines I've described here.

If they ask for the first three chapters and a synopsis, don't send them the whole manuscript, or chapters taken from your favourite bit of the book. If they ask for a whole manuscript, don't send them three chapters.

How you present your manuscript can easily mark you out as an amateur. It also marks you out as desperate and insecure about the manuscript you've sent. I'm not saying that your manuscript wouldn't be read (I've absolutely no idea if editors throw such manuscripts aside or not) but it will give the editor an impression of you that might colour their judgement of your writing.