The Lines A Writer Should Check Carefully

         





Are you wondering what in the world these images are all about? They're nothing but different kinds of lines. It was the best way I could think of to introduce today's topic which is Writer Guidelines.

I am reminded again and again how important they are and how easy it is to skip right over a very important part. That's especially true if the guidelines page is lengthy. We tend to read, or scan it, instead of reading slowly and carefully. I have some thoughts on both very short guidelines and very long ones.

Short Guidelines:  Writers who read these can absorb the information pretty well. The problem is that they seldom cover some of the questions the writer has about the publication. Things like: reprints, word count, theme, email in body of message or with an attachment, use of photos, use of side bars, and more.

Lengthy Guidelines:  The good thing is that there should be no question unanswered. The editors have spelled out exactly what they want and what they don't. But, writers get tired of reading paragraph upon paragraph and end up scanning much of what has been written. There can be so many guidelines that the writer misses some that are important. Writers sometimes decide the editors must be so picky that it isn't worth submitting to this publication.

If you have questions after reading those shorter guidelines, go ahead and email the editor and ask. I can't begin to count the number of times I've written to ask if they take reprints. To me, this should be spelled out in every guideline. It saves both writer and editor wasted time. In nearly every case, I have received a reply.

If the guidelines are book size (slight exaggeration!), read them, then go back and read paragraph by paragraph, jot down the main points that you must adhere to. This will help you decide if your submission is right for the publication or not.

There are writers who  ignore guidelines completely. If you are one, you do yourself nor the publication a favor. Again, this is time wasted for writer and editor.

I learned long ago to use a search engine like google or bing to find writer guidelines for a certain type of piece I'd written. And yes, it does take time to select several and read them. The benefit is that you are more likely to sub to a publication that is open to what you've written.

Will reading guidelines ensure your submission will be accepted? No, it will not. It will make the odds greater in your favor, however.

I've been using the word 'read' but when you have lengthy guidelines, you'll do better if you 'read' and then 'study' them.

One publication I've sold several stories to has the longest guidelines I've ever seen. They even include sample stories to illustrate what they want. I've also noted a few that limit the guidelines to Send us your best work. Isn't that a given?

Give some thought to perusing the guidelines carefully the next time you are ready to submit.