[BrandyB Posts: 22 Status: Offline]

If a magazine allows queries through either email or submittable, which do you go with?

I know Submittable lets you check the status - but how informative is that? Would I really find out sooner than if I emailed? Do editors tend to prefer one over the other?

The main reason I'm asking is that Ask magazine wants so much extra information if you've never written for them before, and Submittable only allows 3 attachments. So if I also want to include a bibliography (since it asks for resources), I'd have to just paste it into the cover letter box along with my query letter, which would get awkward, or combine my writing samples into one file. So it seems like it might be easier to email, but if the editors prefer Submittable I should probably suck it up and use that.

[carrots Posts: 551 Status: Offline]

I've never had this option before (and have never submitted to Ask), but - given your situation of needing to send the extra information - it probably makes more sense to go with email this time. Next time, you'll just have the ms and can use submittable (which, as you say, is great for the convenience of checking status).

I wouldn't worry a bit about submitting through email. After all, if the editors strongly preferred submittable, they wouldn't give you a choice.

Best wishes, Brandy!!

 

[Vijaya Posts: 7,104 Status: Offline Encourage]

Hmmm, that's interesting that you have options. In this case, I'd go with email because of the writing samples you have to turn in. But typically, I send cover and one attachment with outline + sources. So that still leaves you with two slots for samples.
Good luck! V.

[Starfish Posts: 61 Status: Offline]

A couple of years ago, I was allowed to email a revise/resubmit directly to the editor of Spider. My email sat in spam until I status queried six months later. Fortunately, the editor received my query email and my story was accepted. Landing in spam probably doesn't happen often, but after that experience, my personal preference is Submittable. (Although truthfully, I'm about to submit another R&R by email to Ladybug at the editor's request. Crossing my fingers it doesn't land in spam.) You won't wonder if your manuscript was received or not. Of course, formatting is another issue, so you should do what works for you. This is just food for thought.

[BrandyB Posts: 22 Status: Offline]

Thanks for the replies! I think I will try email this time, thanks to the number of attachments (resume, two samples, bibliography, and of course the actual query letter). You're right, if they really didn't want emails they didn't have to mention sending them at all. Hopefully it won't go to spam...