1. MOST IMPORTANT: Never submit your only copy. If the post office doesn't lose it, I might. Just imagine what my desk looks like when I've got 30 essays, 20 book reviews, and approximately 50 sidebars spread out on it -- and shudder.
2. Always put your name, address, email address, and phone number on the first page. This includes essays submitted in the body of email and especially files that are attached to email. You'd be surprised how many things are submitted to me without that information. I can't accept your deathless prose if I can't contact you.
3. If you want something returned, enclose a self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage ("SASE"). Note at the top of the manuscript or on the back of artwork whether it's disposable or accompanied by an SASE, in case they get separated. If you don't provide me with postage to return it, I assume it's recyclable.
4. Number the pages (1 of 6, for example), in case they get shuffled or, heaven forbid, attached to something else.
5. Mark the end of the text.
6. If you are submitting artwork, stiffen the envelope with a piece of cardboard. If the postal service can bend something, they will. Writing "Do Not Bend" on the envelope is a good start, but I don't trust it to protect my photos.
7. If you move or change email addresses after you submit something to me-- let me know!

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