A to Z Writing: SASE Simplified

Veteran authors and columnists know the drill. For decades, publishers’ editorial guidelines have insisted that writers include SASEs with their manuscript submissions. 

What is an SASE?

SASE stands for self-addressed, stamped envelope. Traditionally, publishers have requested such inclusions for their own convenience, particularly with unsolicited manuscripts. Writers willingly complied with the SASE protocol, hoping to increase their chances of receiving editorial responses and as assurances that their manuscripts would be returned, if rejected.

Besides the publishing world, the SASE is occasionally used with autograph requests, special event ticket sales, rebate offers and more.

Should a writer still include the SASE with a submission?

In this age of computerized communications, no savvy writer sends a manuscript without saving its document file first. Increasingly, publishers request electronic submissions eliminating papered submissions.

In addition, a growing number of professional literary agents no longer encourage writing clients to follow the increasingly archaic SASE tradition for several reasons:

1. The SASE begs the question of manuscript rejection. Why not display confidence instead?

2. Editors tend to frown upon tattered recycled (read: rejected) manuscripts. Smart writers print new copies for subsequent submissions anyway.

3. Seasoned writers generally request editorial replies in their cover letters, providing their addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses. Snail mail replies are somewhat superfluous these days.

Still, some periodicals and publishing houses continue to require SASEs with incoming manuscripts. Editorial guidelines are must-reads before mailing.

Image:  

Letter Opener

By Amedeo Momo Simonetti

Early 19th Century

Creative Commons Licensing/Wikipedia Commons

2012 A to Z Blogging Challenge logo

Fair Use

Feel free to follow on GooglePlus and Twitter. Please visit my Amazon author page as well.