Manuscript Boxes... where and how much?

[wgjones3]

You know, the kind you put your manuscript in when you mail it off...

This is the last time I'm going to the post office with a box that looks like it was dropped from an airplane BEFORE it even gets shipped out... :mad:

What's a good brand? Where can I find them in hickville? And how much do they cost?

[Merry]

http://www.writersstore.com/product.php?products_id=1176&cPath=22_47&affiliate=ZAFFIL448

Best I got right now is the Writer's Store. They deliver fairly quickly...but that doesn't help if you need one today. It's a product you might want to keep on hand because you are correct, presentation does matter.

In fact...shoot why didn't I put that in the resource area? I'll get to it.....

[wgjones3]

$12? I got a set of 3 of those at Wal Mart for $2.50. :eek:

The problem with those is the 500 page capacity (which is dubious, methinks). When I sent off Blinding Revelation, I had 550 pages, and that was so much of a strain that I had to repackage the box to mail it for fear the seams would burst. The one I sent today had 700 pages. I didn't even try one of those flimsy boxes, opting instead for a currogated cardboard box (I thought I'd picked wisely, but alas, it was 8 X 11 1/2, hence the packing tape reinforcements).

Unfortunately, the dropped from an airplane look is what they got this time.

You are right, though, if the manuscript isn't more than 500 pages, those boxes do make for a very nice presentation.

[TLHines]

Hey, WG - As an option, I suggest you go to your local Post Office and ask to see their flat rate document-sized box. (Inside dimensions are 8.5 x 11 x 5.5--enough to hold TWO reams of paper, if you need to.)

Aside from the generous size, these boxes have some other nice benefits: 1) They're free--ask the friendly folks at the Post Office to give you a few to keep on hand at home. 2) When you ship with the boxes, you get the flat rate of $7.70 for 2-3 day delivery, which is frankly pretty darned good. Certainly I've paid more to ship many a manuscript. 3) You can get Delivery Confirmation on the package, then go to the USPS web site and see exactly when the package was delivered to the address. (Note to anyone reading: make sure it's "Delivery Confirmation," which requires no signature on the part of the receiver; if you get "Signature Confirmation," the postal carrier will require a signature upon delivery, which tends to make a lot of agents/editors/others cranky.)

Find out more online at http://www.usps.com/shipping/flatrate.htm?from=priority&page=flatrate

[paulchernoch]

I had not even thought about this problem. When the time comes for me (hopefully around October) I will definitely exceed the 500 page limit of the smaller boxes. Thanks for the timely suggestions.

- Paul

[wgjones3]

Hey, WG - As an option, I suggest you go to your local Post Office and ask to see their flat rate document-sized box. (Inside dimensions are 8.5 x 11 x 5.5--enough to hold TWO reams of paper, if you need to.)

Aside from the generous size, these boxes have some other nice benefits: 1) They're free--ask the friendly folks at the Post Office to give you a few to keep on hand at home. 2) When you ship with the boxes, you get the flat rate of $7.70 for 2-3 day delivery, which is frankly pretty darned good. Certainly I've paid more to ship many a manuscript. 3) You can get Delivery Confirmation on the package, then go to the USPS web site and see exactly when the package was delivered to the address. (Note to anyone reading: make sure it's "Delivery Confirmation," which requires no signature on the part of the receiver; if you get "Signature Confirmation," the postal carrier will require a signature upon delivery, which tends to make a lot of agents/editors/others cranky.)

Find out more online at http://www.usps.com/shipping/flatrate.htm?from=priority&page=flatrate


Oh my goodness... I have asked and asked and asked ato my post office about those kinds of boxes, I always get the same response that they don't have any "manuscript" boxes. Now that I know what to ask for, maybe they'll know what I'm talking about. !thumbsup!