To SASE on Not To SASE that is THE Question.

Ok, I think too much digital ink and time has been spilled on the subject but since Ms. Snark didn't post my comment on her blog, I feel drawn into the fray.

For those few of you who don't know an SASE is a self addressed stamped envelope usually requested or required by agents, publishers, magazines, and others for inclusion with any submittals of work for review.

This morning, the blogshere is a buzz with two opposing views, one by rising author Joe Konrath, and the other by anonomous literary agent, Miss Snark.

And the comment I made that was not posted:

"A Tale of Two Tragedies:

First, a good writer fails to find the good agent because an SASE is not included in the submittal and the agent refuses to read writer's work.

Second, a good agent fails to find the good writer because the writer didn't include an SASE.

What a shitty plot. You decide."

Ok, I gave her qudos for her reading 100 synopses, but quashing freedom of speech -that's just wrong. Ok, maybe I shouldn't have said "shitty" but if you think of the implications, the word fits.

This is a ridiculous argument. Honestly, good writers will get published whether or not they send an SASE. Some before others.

Do you WANT an agent that excludes your work because there was no SASE? Does an agent WANT a writer who does not follow stated guidlines requiring SASEs?

As a writer do what you feel comfortable with. Joe Konrath bases his opinion on struggling through the publication process. We dont even know if Miss Snark really is an agent and if she is there are plenty of others out there. Agents are buried with submittals so her point is well taken. Read both arguments and you decide.

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