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FREEDOM IN CHRIST

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 18, 1910

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 87, No. 33.

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FREEDOM IN CHRIST

By John H. Jones

John H. Jones
Write in with a pen the name you wish used and the number of words.
After the article is typewritten, count the number of words in the first five lines, counting each fractional word as one. Divide the sum by the number of lines taken, five, and the result will be the average number of words to a line. Next count the number of lines in the manuscript, and multiply by the average number of words to the line; the result will be the total number of words. Write this number at the top of the first page. Make no effort to be exact, simply fairly accurate. It is not expected that you count up the actual number of words.
A manuscript prepared according to these simple directions needs no accompanying letter. Do not attempt to explain your article, or call attention to its value. The editor will not be influenced by what you write, but, possibly, may be prejudiced. He will judge the article on its merits, without any reference to its source. It may have intrinsic value, and be a profitable article for some other publication, yet be valueless to the editor to whom it is submitted. He alone is the judge; you can not influence him. Don't irritate him by suggesting reasons for his acceptance of your matter.
Communications, or letters, are another class of contributions to newspapers. In these do not give prominent headings on the first page of your article, but use a side-head, generally continuous with the first line of the running matter, your signature to follow at the end of the communication. To such the editor generally places a heading of his own; thus,—

MR. JONES EXPLAINS

EDITOR OF THE Independent: In yesterday's issue I noticed a communication from Mr. Henry Spencer, etc., etc.
Respectfully,
John H. Jones.
Each news office has its own style in setting up headings. A few set up these side-heads in italics. Other editors will cut out the side-head and closing signature, and use the article as a semi-editorial. Study the style of the paper you write for, and prepare your matter so that it can be rearranged by the editor, if used, with the least possible labor and loss of time.