Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1870-04-08
Hliscellnng.
Preparation of Manuscript for the
Press.

Press.
Among the many trials and perplexi-
ties Of an editors life, there is no one
which is so vexatious and so unsatisfying
rs the deciphering and correcting of bad
" written and improperly prepared man
uscript. If aspirants for literary honors
knew how much really depended upon
the legibility and correct appearance OF
their contributions, they would be far
more careful than they are. The best of
articles, if the "pen is poor and the ink
is pale" has half its excellence obscured
in the reading. whether it be read aloud
haltingly and hesitatingly, and both
reader and listener but half catch the
meaning of the writer, or whether 1t is
glanced over with an inpatient eye,
which omits what it cannot Immediately
comprehend.
Then even if the reader be satisfied of
its merits to the point of acceptance, If
the article is prepared improperly for
the printer, it is still necessary TO reject
it. For an editor has little time to spare
for the correction or rewriting Of manu-
script
But how should manuscript be prepar-
ed to please both editor and printer p
will be asked by all those who do not al
ready know.
The first consideration is the paper.
The best is common white foolscap, the
two leaves of the sheet not merely cut,
but the pages folded down the middle
and cut again, so as to form long, narrow
strips. If the writer prefers to use the
whole width Of the sheet, it is impera-
lively necessary that the two leaves
should be cut apart, as it is exceedingly
announcement to the reader to have to
turn over the leaf in reading, and then
fold it back again to preserve the pages
in their proper order. Common note pa
per is unobjectionable, cut into single
leaves, as the page is not wide one;-
but it is more expensive than foolscap,
and not any better.
Never write on both sides of the page.
Use the best black ink, and write plain
ly, without any attempt at ornamental
ton. Punctuate carefully, and remem-
Der that paragraphs are occasionally nee
essary in an article, and that quotations
must be used in conversation. Number
the pages, and when the article is CON-
pleted, the leaves may or may not be
fastened together. A single pin if there
are not too many sheets, is really better
than the most elaborate stitching, or
fanciful tying with ribbon, as it can be
easily removed in reading, and as easily
replaced.
Never roll manuscript, but fold it it
is too large to send unfolded. Rolled
manuscript is very troublesome for both
reader and printer. Manuscripts, if plac-
ed in package with one end open, can
be sent by mail at pamphlet rates OF
postage. Whatever the manner of send
ing there should always be private let
ter, giving the name and address of the
writer, stating whether pay is required,
and at What rates, mentioning whether
return Of the manuscript is desired if it
is not accepted; and, in this case, inclos-
ing sufficient stamps to pay for its return.
This letter must be sent separately if the
manuscript is sent open, or the whole
will be subject to letter postage.
We might give further hints as to
grammar, spelling, use of capitals, etc.,
but for two reasons we abstain. First
because those who cannot spell and com.
pose with average correctness ought moi
to attempt to write for the public at all
and secondly, whatever our advice might
he, such writers are not likely to heed
us, but will go on scribbling all the same
as much andas incorrectly as ever.