Electronic submission to e-mail, or to Internet-based publications has its own conventions--and they are quite unlike those of print media.

The object, however, is the same: to provide your text in an acceptable format. The editor who will review your work wants to spend her/his valuable time on evaluating the piece--not on figuring out what it says. The easier you make the task, the more likely you are to have your work accepted.

The rules are simple. The most universal document type is PLAIN TEXT. This format is also referred to as (.TXT), ascii format, DOS text, and Universal Text. If you use another document format, such as WordPerfect(tm) or MS Word(tm), it will be up to you to make sure these formats are accepted by the publisher. If you send a format they don't accept, then your work will not be read.

The standard page format is very plain--uncomfortably so for some of us who are used to print submission standards.

• Single spaced lines.
  
• A single blank line between paragraphs.
  
• Do not indent.
  
• Indicate underlines, and other special characters, with standard keyboard characters and--IMPORTANT--include a key at the TOP of the document. For instance: _word_ means underline. *word* means italic, &etc.

It is helpful to indicate the beginning and end of your submitted text:

The final point to be mentioned is an obvious one: include contact and document information at the TOP of the submission. The information you provide should typically include:

• The TITLE of your submission
  
• The WORD COUNT of your submission
  
• Your PEN NAME, if any
  
• Your REAL NAME
  
• Your E-MAIL ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, and/or STREET ADDRESS

The importance of following guidelines and formatting instructions cannot be overly stressed. Treat the editor's guidelines as the rules they are. Be sure you understand them, and be sure to follow them. Editors are generally happy to answer questions about their preferences, providing you keep it brief. They want to be clear with you, so that you may be clear with them.

Following a few instructions could make the difference between acceptance or rejection of your work.