I have a story which I think would be great for a particular magazine, however, the Writer's Handbook entry for this magazine does not contain very clear instructions about how to approach them. It simply says - unsolicited contributions welcome. Should I just send a copy of the story to them and include an SAE for the return of the manuscript, or should I approach them with a letter first?

Thanks
Guy

Personally I wouldn't bother with a letter, since you obviously know that in principle they'll look at unsolicited MS, and what sort of thing the mag wants and that your story fits it.

Emma

Thanks Emma

I'll do that.

Yes, as I understand it, a letter is only there to solicit an invitation to submit when none is evident. Basically, a letter asking 'can I write to you?'...all very paradoxical, I'm sure.

JB

Send them the story and an SAE with a covering letter saying Dear ..., please would you consider the following short story for publication in ...., and the word length.

This should suffice.

Kat

Thanks for the advice guys.

I would go along with the advice above, however, it is always worth checking to see if there is more up-to-date information before sending.

The publication might have a website where you can check to make sure the magazine hasn't moved premises or that the person you are addressing the story to hasn't moved on.

In my experience, which bridges both commissioning editor and freelance writer, getting your work to the right person (name spelled correctly), in the right style and to the right address is always a good start.