If I was told to send a submission to the ‘Submissions Department’, my natural inclination would be to address the covering letter: Dear Slushpile…

If they don’t have enough sense of humour to have a titter at that, would you seriously want to enter into a long-term relationship with them? Because this is what we’re talking about. This isn’t just a case of finding someone to flog your first novel. This is someone you will be working with, hopefully, for many years. Don’t jump into bed with the first guy who flicks an eyelash at you.

On a very practical level, their working practice may involve a department who deal with first submissions. Demanding a specific name may possibly slow down the process if that individual has changed department, gone on extended leave, absconded with the petty cash…

Dee.

Dear Slushpile, I like that...

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