******************************************* M A N U S C R I P T C O N V E N T I O N S ******************************************* By Kurt Nimmo Many people who use the BBS systems are programmers and are experienced in the technical minutia of hardware and software. There are many computer magazines which currently need articles written on a myriad of subjects concerning computer hardware and software, which is more often than not baffling to the novice or those who use computers for limited purposes (i.e., word processing, data base applications, spreadsheets, etc.), but wish to become more familiar with "computerese." Those who understand computers may wish to write an article or two for publication in a computer magazine (and, in the process, stand to make some money). The following text is a crash-course in manuscript conventions. These conventions should be followed (they apply to all manner of writing for publication); a well-organized and readable manuscript will be read by an editor, while one that is not, more likely than not, will be passed over. Note: Editors, like computer programmers, are turned-off by sloppy and novice-appearing work. PAPER You should always use WHITE, 8 X 11 inch paper (computer paper is OK), 20LB standard weight bond (the same weight as looseleaf or typing paper). Don't use erasable bond or cheap paper (the kind with high wood content). If possible, use 25% cotten fiber paper. Editors like smooth paper which shows type clearly. The better quality papers will also take correction fluid better (that is if you miss a mistake in the editing process of writing your article). NEVER USE ONIONSKIN PAPER OR ANYTHING LESS THAN 20LB! FILE COPIES Since you'll more than likely be using a word-processing program (or maybe an MS-DOS EDLIN program) to write your article, you probably won't need to worry about saving a file of your article. It should be stressed, however, that COPIES ARE IMPERATIVE, since you may not ever see your manuscript again once it is sent out through the unpredictable mails (or, less likely, an editor loses it; editors, it must be added, are NOT responsilbe for unsolicited manuscripts). SELF-ADDRESSED, STAMPED ENVELOPES (S.A.S.E.) ALWAYS enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of your manuscript. If you don't want your manuscript back, include a postcard or letter envelope with the correct amount of postage so the editor can respond to your article. A SUBMITTED ARTICLE WITHOUT AN S.A.S.E. IS THE SIGN OF A NOVICE! Even professional writers who make thousands of dollars a year on articles or stories include an S.A.S.E. with their submission. IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE SURE YOU AFFIX CORRECT POSTAGE TO THE ENVELOPE SENT TO A MAGAZINE (since the magazine will have to pay postage due). A submission arriving with postage due will be greeted with disdain by an editor --- careful writers ALWAYS make sure the right amount of postage is affixed. FOLLOW THE DOUBLE-SPACE LAW All manuscripts MUST be double-spaced. A double-spaced manuscript is easier to read and editors invariably suffer from eye strain. Again, if you don't follow the rules, you will be passed over as a novice. THE DOT-MATRIX TABOO Most editors hate dot-matrix (except near letter quality). Dot-matrix is nearly impossible to read and the descenders (i.e., the descending part of a "g" or "p" which falls below the line) are crunched up on dot-matrix. This drives an editor nuts and he will probably send your manuscript back with a terse note. Some editors, however, will read dot-matrix; always send a query (again, with return postage) asking if dot-matgrix is acceptable. AND ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOUR RIBBON IS DARK! Trying to read a manuscript with light type is like trying to read a telephone book by candle! TYPE FONTS Use standard type styles. Never use script or unusual type styles. Acceptable type fonts are: PICA, COURIER, or LETTER GOTHIC. Make sure the pitch is fairly wide. Again, make your manuscript as readable as possible. An editor is not impressed by fancy and proportional type. PAGE FORMAT Do not use a cover sheet or a binder on your manuscript (unless it is a play or television script). Always put your name and other information in the upper lefthand corner of the first page: Joe Hacker 123 Main Street Anyville, MI 10000 (313) 555-5656 These lines should be the ONLY single-spaced type in your manuscript. In the righthand corner of the manuscript, indicate an approximate word count (most word-processing programs include this), the rights you are offering for sale (i.e., "First Serial Rights"), and your copyright notice (i.e., (c) 1987 Joe Hacker). On every page after your first, include a "slugline": your full name, a dash, the title of your manuscript (if a long title, use key words), another dash, and the page number. The margins of your manuscript should be about 1.25 or 1.50 inches. This is what your manuscript should look like: ------------------------------------------------------------------- Joe Hacker About 3,000 words 123 Main Street First Serial Rights Anytown, MI 10000 (c) Joe Hacker (313) 555-5656 [about 1/2 way down] UNDERSTANDING COMPUTERESE By Joe Hacker Computerese is a language that all cannot readily understand. An explanation is in order. First off, try ___________________________________________________________________ Hacker -- COMPUTERESE -- 2 [2 double spaces] And while some people have the intelligence of above- average primates when it comes to computers, others Follows these conventions and make sure your manuscript is NEAT in appearance, and you can be assured that an editor will at least read it; the sloppy, unprofessional manuscript will always be sent back --- and usually without comment! And since you are not interested in wasting your time (or the editor's), it is smart to follow these manuscript conventions and spare yourself the frustration of finding a returned manuscript. Of course, your manuscript might be neat and be completely devoid of substance --- or be written clumsily --- but at least it will be read! Good luck! ******************************************************************