Hmm. I might switch to 10 experimentally, because that way I can make my 100-page partial for Harper a little longer. But I guess I just assumed 12, because the "how to format a manuscript" sheet I'm working from just said Courier without specifying, and I'm used to Times New Roman 12 as the standard for everything else.

There's a really talented writer in my writers' group who does his manuscripts 1.5-spaced in a sans serif font, and I was pretty shocked to find out he's actually submitting them that way. He thinks it makes him stand out. I'm sure it does, but....

Tell the talented writer he's out of his tiny little mind, Susan.

1.5 spacing is OK, but not sans serif.

I tried. He doesn't listen.

Well, he'll learn eventually, or he'll start wondering why his stuff keeps coming back with steely polite requests for "proper submission format".

Ooh, hey, Deb, I have a completely-non-writing-related question for you. If I wanted to remove the choke from an uncooked artichoke, what implement would be best to do that with?

Katie, weirdly enough? I used to use a grapefruit spoon (one of those spoons with the slightly serrated tip) to do the edges, and then a plain old tablespoon to dig it out. .

mmm, artichokes. And I am the worst typist that ever touched a keyboard...I'll need some help if...or that should be when...I produce anything submittable.

Yes, it should be "when". And I'm sure we can find some help when that time comes.

Well, I have submitted things by e-mail and had them appear in websites, but paper publishing is a different beast.

Nonetheless, it's a beast we gonna tame.

(I'm feeling a bit fired up, can you tell? Hee)