Struggling Authors

Hi Helen Edwards oh Guru of the writing for magazines.
I thought I would chance my arm in the lions den of Writers Forum.
I intend to send a short stroy to them. As per your helpful instructions I downloaded the entry form and happily started filling it in.
Then I got stuck.
What does "I enclose an acknowledgement stamped and addressed" mean please?

Cheers
Teresa

Far be it from me to step on Helen's turf but one thing this could be is a postcard/envelope with your details on that they send back to prove they've recvd your story.

I have had to do this with a couple of the larger competitions - it helps put your mind at rest that it actually arrived.

However, Helen might know of something different.

Good luck with the story!!!

RG

Well that makes sound sense and many thanks. Me thinking it was so complex. Back with the faeries then. Traa Laa Laa

Hi Teresa,

Sorry for the delay in replying. I do check the forum pretty regularly, but I've obviously missed your message.

I have a copy of Writers' Forum in front of me right now. I think 'an sae or international reply coupon for feedback' is a little confusing. As you have to pay to enter the competition, and you get a critique for that fee as well, I think it means that they want you to send an sae for them to use to send your tick-box critique back to you. You would think that the least they could do is pay your postage for you.

But then again, they have put 'optional' in brackets, so Richard could be right. Certain magazines do suggest sending an sae in order to receive acknowledgement that your work has arrived safely.

Send an sae anyway...

By the way, Richard likes to say I'm the magazine expert but I have only had viewpoints published in The Lady magazine to-date. I am also undertaking a freelance journalism course (I started it in January 2008). If you or anyone else would like to join me in writing for the magazine section, please feel free, as I feel somewhat of an amateur.

H

Hiya H
Well its all been packaged off now and sent.
I agree with all your comments. It also took me a good five minutes to ensure I had enclosed everything and all in "write" order - sorry couldn't resist that. - I had the acknowledgement back by return of post!!
Good sign? Bad Sign? who knows.
I'm going to sit back and do a laid back Colwyn.
With regard to your idea writing for magazine - need a bit more info on content please? - Short stories, receipes, viewpoints?. Let me know
Tee

Well, good morning to you, Tee

You can focus on anything you like. I have done a piece based on writing viewpoints and reader letters. I am now doing monthly articles based on writing features for magazines. How do you feel about sharing tips on writing short stories for magazines, whether they're for women's magazines or another market? You also mentioned recipes, which could be interesting. It all helps!

H

HEDW
Ok I can do that. I'm doing a bit for Sammi at the moment..........yours is next on the list.
I'm sure I can come up with something varied and interesting.
I'll give it my best shot anyway.
M. Tee