International submissions and return envelopes

[LukeW]

This is something that I've been wondering about. A lot of agents request a self-addressed, stamped envelope when submitting submissions. The problem I see with international submissions is that we don't know what the postage is going to be coming from a different country. As pre-paid envelopes only work in the country of origin they don't seem to be an option.

So what is the standard procedure for submitting to international agents? Is it accepted that you don't need to include a return envelope with the expectation that you won't get the copy back? Or will the agent refuse to look at your work because of said lack of envelope?

 

[Anne Lyle]

I haven't hit this problem yet, but I would enclose an international reply coupon to cover a standard letter - it's accepted that if you don't include a manuscript-sized SAE, they should just recycle the pages if not wanted. And let's face it, it's far cheaper to reprint your subs package than pay for overseas postage!