My Writing Kit
Here are a collection of some useful forms and writing tools that I have made myself, or adapted for my own use. None are infallible, but hopefully they will prove a useful starting point to those that may need them. Feel free to use and/or modify what you like. They are laid out in a easy to print form that I hope you will take advantage of. Your back button will take you back to the main Pen & Sword page.

Collection of Letters I use in submitting Stories

Italics indicate to insert information, brackets are where you'll have to alter the text to suit your own personal submission; i.e. submitting part of a novel as compared to the whole thing.

EXAMPLE ONE

Your address
Your phone number
Your email address (if you have one)

Date sent

Publishers Address

Dear Editors name

I would be pleased if you would consider the enclosed manuscript (or number of chapters) entitled ' name of novel'.
This word count word novel is in the stated genre, and concerns defining issue or theme. Describe form of novel (stand alone/ part of series) and any future plans. Also Insert any previous publications/awards that may swing editor in your favour.
Should you wish to discuss 'name of novel' ( or wish to see the finished manuscript if you have only sent part), I may be contacted at the above address.
It is also available on state formats in which it is available; i.e. Microsoft Word 97, (but this section of it is fully disposable). I have enclosed a SASE for its return (I have enclosed a SASE for the return of your reply).

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours faithfully

Your name

EXAMPLE TWO- used for short story submissions

Your address
Your phone number
Your email address (if you have one)

Date sent

Editor's address

Dear Editor's name

I would be pleased if you would consider the enclosed manuscript entitled 'Insert name of story' for publication in name of publication.
This word length word short story is a theme/ point of story.
Should you wish to discuss this short story, I may be contacted at the above address. You are welcome to use 'name of story' at your usual rates. If, however you feel you cannot use it at this time, I would appreciate its return and have enclosed a SAE for this purpose.
Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours faithfully

Your name

CHARACTER SHEET

Useful for fleshing out characters, but I only use this for my main ones- I don't really care what the personal quirks of the orange seller on the street corner are. Cut and add sections, as not all are appropriate to everyone's stories- but this is a good starting point.

Name:
Age:
Birthdate:
Birthplace:
Height:
Weight:
Body Type:
Ethnic Group:
Hair:
Eyes:
Eyebrows:
Scars:
Carriage:
Voice Quality, speed, sound:
Pet Sayings:
Nose:
Mouth:
Proportions:
Face:
Body:
Physical Traits he/she would most like to change:
Physical Condition (fit/unfit etc):
Gestures:
Marital Status:
Educational Background:
Skills & talents:
Occupation:
Past Occupation(s):
Food Preferences:
Drink Preferences:
Alcoholic Drinks:
Car:
Pets:
Eccentricities:
Strong/weak characteristics:
Sees self as:
Seen by others as:
Basic nature:
Ambition:
Philosophy:
Beliefs:
Hobbies:
Kinds of reading, art, music:
Favourite colour:
Description of current home life:
Clothes (type/style, fit, condition, colours):
How does s/he handle problems?
Introvert/extrovert:
Quirks:
IQ:
Temperament:
How s/he handles rage or anger:
Sense of Humour:
Fears:
Phobias:
Manias:
Admirable Traits:
Negative Traits:
Bad Habits/ Vices:
Things that make s/he uncomfortable embarrassed :
Most painful thing in their life:
Present Problem:
How does this problem get worse?
How does this problem get resolved?
Most important thing to know about person?
Does character have a secret? What?
Favourite physical attributes in others:
Attributes about character that turn on others:
Sexual Turnons:
Previous relationships and effect on present:
Synopsis about childhood:
Family History

Spouse:
Occupation:
Location:
Type of Relationship:
Effect on Plotline:

Best Friend:
Marital Status:
Occupation:
Location:
Type of Relationship:
Effect on Plotline:

Mother:
Physical Status:
Marital Status:
Occupation:
Location:
Type of Relationship:
Effect on Plotline:

Father:
Physical Status:
Marital Status:
Occupation:
Location:
Type of Relationship:
Effect on Plotline:

Children (repeat as needed)
Name :
Age:
Type of Relationship:
Location:
Occupation:
Spouse:
Grandchildren:
Effect on Plotline:

Brothers/Sisters (repeat as needed)
Name:
Age:
Type of Relationship:
Location:
Occupation:
Spouse:
Children:
Effect on Plotline:

External affairs, events, etc. with relationship to character: