A word as to dialect. We try to print stories that read easily and smoothly. Too hard or too consistent a dialect repels readers. Likewise, the widely popular slang “roughneck” story. We use ’em of course, but we do not want ’em _too_ rough. Every reader likes the relief of straight English rather than to go through page after page of dialect or slangy misspelling. But, read the magazine, and then _within our scope_ give us something different. HARRY E. MAULE. _Short Stories._ DOUBLEDAY PAGE & COMPANY, Publishers, Garden City, N.Y. THE SMART SET As Editors of _The Smart Set_, Mencken and I buy any story that appeals to us personally. We employ no so-called “readers.” Every manuscript submitted to the magazine is read by the one or the other of us. We have no rules. But, we have prejudices. Style is a most important factor. The viewpoint of a cultured man or woman is a most important factor. GEORGE JEAN NATHAN. _The Smart Set._ 25 West Forty-fifth Street, New York City. SNAPPY STORIES I am setting forth, more or less briefly, what _Snappy Stories_ desires from its contributors. From its inception, this magazine has specialized in fiction and other material with a strong sex interest, and this policy is being adhered to--not because this is the only type of story that appeals to us, but because we feel that there are a vast number of readers who enjoy tales with themes based upon the relations between the sexes. This is by no means a depraved taste, but a healthy, natural one, characterizing most normal men and women. Many of the most famous stories ever written have had this so-called sex interest, and this applies also to plays and grand operas. Vulgar or salacious material is barred, but we have no objection to stories that are a trifle audacious or that have a dash of the risqué. Each bi-monthly issue of _Snappy Stories_ contains a complete novelette of from 15,000 to 18,000 words. This is the length we prefer, although we sometimes publish longer novelettes or shorter ones. They should be strongly plotted, with plenty of action and a real climax. Happy endings preferred, but not absolutely insisted upon. Occasionally a good humorous novelette or an ingeniously plotted mystery story, without a pronounced sex interest, is used. We publish one short serial of from 20,000 to 30,000 words, suitable for two or three parts. Longer stories are occasionally taken, and used in a greater number of installments. What we have said about the novelette applies also to the continued story: stories with sex interest stand the best chance of acceptance. Of course we desire good “breaks” where they are to be divided.