If this were me, I would simply include a note on my cover letter (like write it at the bottom before my signature) that says “I apologize that IRCs are unavailable in Ireland. There is no need for a reply to be sent by mail if the ms is rejected. You are welcome to discard the ms.” Then I would express your sincere thanks and sign it.

Also, make sure you are not giving out exclusives on your work (since you won’t be hearing back from anyone unless there is a sale or they want to talk to you about a revision, etc).

And be sure to include your email address in the contact info section of your manuscript.

An editor who wants to communicate with you will email you if necessary. A heck of a lot easier than trying to deposit a check or deal with currency, etc.

As I mentioned, at the post office, I queried the purchase of an IRC and apparently Ireland has ceased selling IRC. The postmaster said all I could do was send payment for return of post along with the empty envelope.

Would this be advisable? Otherwise, I have no way of knowing if I will get any correspondence. Some publishers take email, but is this proper etiquette?

Thanks in advance.

Fiona

An IRC is an international reply coupon which eliminates the need to purchase stamps in the originating country’s currency.

And yes, it is considered proper etiquette to pay for the return postage for the publisher’s reply to you. Do not submit a manuscript to a US publisher without paying for the return postage for their response. For you, that would be an IRC.

Some publishers, however, do not require return postage because they do not reply to rejected submissions. This is rare, though. So as standard practice, include an IRC and a self-addresed envelope with your submissions. Hope that helps!

thanks

I hope 2009 has started well for you.

Your words of encouragement have spurred me into a writing frenzy over the festive season. I wrote two stories in a fortnight. (I am not working, so plenty of time)

One question I have has been preying on my mind. Although the CWIM is an excellent reference, it does not give advice on the layout and wording of query letters when submitting work. My only other source was google which gives many conflicting opinions.

Any advice always gratefully received.
Regards,

Fiona

Take care,
Cynthea

Checking the CWIM (Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s Market book) will help a great deal. There is an index which lists publishers who take animal stories. The index also lists publishers by book type as well (e.g., middle grade, picture book, etc.)

I live in Ireland, which does not cater at all for anthropomorphic stories so I have found that sending them to UK publishers may be the only option.

Try the Children’s Writers & Illustrators Yearbook. It has great advice.

Also, check out my website: http://www.freewebs.com/pedroswinebar. I’d love to get some feedback from a fellow author. Look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,
Fiona Griffin.