Customer Support Ruling

Manuscripts – Media Mail
Updated January 2001

PS-018 (473.2.2)

This Customer Support Ruling discusses the eligibility of manuscripts at the Media Mail rates of postage.

In accordance with Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) 473.2.2*, manuscripts for books, periodical type publications, and music are mailable at the Media Mail rates of postage.  Such manuscripts may be handwritten, typewritten, or photocopied.  Each piece mailed at the Media Mail rates must be legibly marked on the address side as "Media Mail.”  Each piece mailed at the Presorted Media Mail rates also must be marked “Presorted” or “PRSRT”.

Photocopies and artwork used to illustrate articles referred to in the above types of manuscripts are acceptable with such manuscripts mailed at the Media Mail rates of postage.  However, if these materials are mailed separately from manuscripts, they are not acceptable at the Media Mail rates.

A handwritten or typewritten letter of transmittal or bill which relate to a manuscript may be attached to or enclosed with it and mailed at the Media Mail rates of postage in accordance with the provisions of DMM 473.2.4.

*See also DMM 173.3 and 373.2. 

(Signed)
Sherry Suggs
Manager
Mailing Standards
United States Postal Service
Washington DC 20260-3436