Submitting a Manuscript
I had a quick question for you. I sent in a query to a magazine a few weeks ago and they have written back, requesting I submit a manuscript with a SASE. I have google’d, looking to get an idea of what they mean. All I’ve found is a formal manuscript format. My question is this: is the manuscript the completed article? What is “timely” in terms of sending the manuscript?
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Yes, a manuscript would mean that they’re asking for the article. However, here’s the thing: they’re asking you to work on-spec, with absolutely zero guarantee, and from what I can make from your e-mail, it seems that they have not even mentioned a contract or a fee.
There is no fixed turnaround time for articles. It’s highly dependent on a publication and editor. I would recommend you e-mail the person who wrote to you and ask for specifics– pay, deadline, word count, contract, that kind of thing. And you’ll also need to ask yourself if you’re willing to work on-spec. If so, it would be in your interest to ask them to respond within a certain time frame.