There is a standard format for manuscripts submitted to commercial markets. It's simple and logical and it lets the editor know you've done a little research and found out what you're supposed to do.

Manuscripts should be mailed flat in 9x12 or 10x13 manila envelopes, depending on how thick they are. They should be accompanied by a stamped, self addressed return envelope.

Print (or type) the manuscript double spaced on letter size 8 1/2 x 11 paper. Use 20 pound weight. I normally use a good quality bond paper for my submission drafts.

Place your name and address on the upper left hand corner of the first page, single spaced. Use the name you want them to print on the check. Nowadays, I also include my phone number and my e-mail address.

Place the word count on the upper right hand corner of the first page. I usually round it off to the nearest hundred words. (Example: "Approximately 15,300 words.")

Switch to double spacing. Go down five or six lines. Type in the name of the story and your byline (the name you want them to use if they actually buy it and print it). Go down five or six more lines and start the story. I usually put the title in caps.

Number each page in the upper right hand corner. Nowadays, writing on a computer, I always include a running head in the left hand corner. The simplest running head is just your name. I sometimes include a shortened version of the title but that has a disadvantage-- the editor may want you to change the title. The running head is a help to the editor. If a bunch of manuscripts fall on the floor and get scrambled, the editor can put yours together without a lot of searching and checking.

At the end of the manuscript, most people type THE END. I used to type an old newspaper symbol, -30-. Nowadays I don't put anything. So far, nobody's objected.

Should you enclose a covering letter? Some editors hate covering letters. Most seem to be mildly in favor of them. The best advice is to keep it short. Tell the editor you're enclosing a manuscript entitled Y of length X. If you want to say something about the story or the author, I suggest you confine it to one short paragraph and tell her something that is (1) factual and (2) relevant to this particular story. DON'T tell her what rights you're selling, or how much you want to be a writer. If the editor rejected a story of yours with a personal note, you might want to thank her for her comments on story X-- giving her a polite reminder that she's indicated you may be a writer worth watching.