Are Simultaneous Submissions A Good Idea?
Keywords: writing, ebooks, books, fiction, novels, publishing
With regards to the question of simultaneous submissions, I fear I may not be able to offer a set answer. As a publisher, I am not enamored by the thought of an author sending me a manuscript that is currently floating among several other slush piles. However, as an author, I am tempted to cast a wide net for my book and hope somebody bites. The thought of waiting for one publisher to pass on a book before sending it to another editor can be daunting for authors, particularly if a favored publisher takes a year to decide.
I have read stories of books that were rejected by one publisher years after they had been accepted and published elsewhere. It is funny to read, yes, but when one looks at simulataneous submissions from two different perspectives - as I have the ability to do - one will know that there may be serious repercussions to violating the wishes of a publisher or editor. As with any aspect of the publishing industry, there are pros and cons to sending out a book to several publishers at once, and there are things authors must know about publishers before they submit.
In addition to producing quality fiction and non-fiction in eBook, trade and/or hardcover format, a book publisher is ultimately in the business of selling books and making money. In order to stay in business, the publisher must be judicious in selecting which manuscripts are to be included in their catalogs. Depending on one’s budget, a publisher may offer anywhere from five titles a year to five titles a week. Consequently, the rate at which a publisher reads through and evaluates manuscripts may vary according to their publication schedule. Normally a publisher will advertise in its submission guidelines how long an author should wait for an answer, yet there are always circumstances that may arise and force delays.
As an author, I can relate with others who want answers now, so that they may either prepare for publication or ready the manuscript to send to another prospect. I have also learned, too, that impatience can backfire on an author. Once, given the choice between submitting a story as part of an anthology or submitting it solo to another publisher, I chose the latter because I wanted to see the story published. Long story short, the latter publisher folded, and the anthology was accepted and published without my story. My work remains unpublished. Sometimes it pays to be patient.
It is acceptable with most publishers to send a query after a sufficient amount of time has passed. If, for example, a publisher advertises turn-around within 120 days, a message after that time period may alert you to the status of your manuscript. As to whether or not it is acceptable to submit to several publishers at once, here are a few things to consider:
1) If a publisher specifies that no simultaneous submissions are allowed, take that into consideration. Reading a manuscript for potential publication is an investment of time and, in some cases, money. Some publishers use volunteer readers for evaluation, some take on the job themselves, while others hire on readers to separate the wheat from the chaff. As such, some publishers may wish to preserve that investment with the knowledge that they have exclusive readership to a work they may wish to contract.
Having said this, an author may be tempted to submit elsewhere anyway, if only to hedge his/her bets. If one publisher passes while another accepts, no harm is done. However, if there is a possibility that two publishers want the work, and both publishers had asked for exclusive reads, there presents some problem. While this dilemma can be remedied by simply turning away the contract by Publisher A without explanation, you will run the risk of being found out when your book is released with Publisher B. Some publishers have long memories, and Publisher A may not be so accommodating should you submit something else to them.
2) If you make a simultaneous submission, alert the publisher. If a publisher does allow simultaneous submissions, an author should be courteous to let it be known if a manuscript is sent to more than one publisher. There may be a possibility a publisher will expedite your manuscript for review if there is the possibility another will claim it. If you are a quality writer with a track record for good sales, you may be placed in the enviable position of having some negotiation power.
3) If you accept a contract for a book still out with other publishers, notify the other publishers immediately! The last thing a publisher wants to do is waste time. One major aspect of the book business is production. Especially with the romance industry, books are released at a steady rate, and publisher does not want to invest time in reviewing a manuscript that is not attainable. This can work against an author who wishes to submit to a publisher at a later date (remember what I said about publishers having long memories).
Think carefully before considering simultaneous submissions. Weigh the consequences and be prepared for every scenario. Keep track of every publisher who has the manuscript and follow-up accordingly when deadlines have passed and when offers are made. As you heed the instructions of each publisher you contact, chances are you will make an impression regardless of whether or not you are contracted. This can bode well for your writing career in the future.
Kathryn Lively is The Write SEO (www.thewriteseo.com) and writes for CINIVA Systems (www.ciniva.com)
Previous Articles Highlighter:
Conference Calling Equipment And Your Business (1)
These conference call phones shaped like a half star fish can operate without the clutter of the wall outlet and only need power, but some even function off batteries. If the conference room you regularly use lacks the floor telephone jack in the middle of the room (yes, some have these), then you might consider this stylish alternative.
Does Cabbage Soup Diet Help You To Loss Weight (2)
For people who are not able to take such high sodium content, they should stay away from this diet. Dieters should should realise that there is practically no protein from this diet.
Small Business Ideas: Tips On How To Start An Online Business (3)
Always be on the move. When starting out a small business online you have to plan every single step very carefully. When you want to think big, you have to start small.
Even You Can Create Your Own Software (4)
Most of these types of programs simply alter a template that you create in a text file. While these types of so-called development tools can, with a little imagination, allow you to create simple programs, they are not really robust enough to be considered true programming utilities.
What's In Your Bag? (5)
Low handicap golfers don't really need my golf tips. These are people who have at one time considered golfing as a profession or are just really goodhave a great golf swing.
How To Become A Master Of Persuasion In The World Of Business (6)
Have good communication skills. A slurring sales representative is less effective than a salesperson with a well-modulated voice. Listen, listen, and listen. Above all, be willing to help your client.
Instant EXE Programming Utility Review (7)
Simply double-click the command from the list and it is inserted into your program, or script as they are called. But, don't let the fact that the program is easy to use make you believe that IX is not a robust development environment.
Bird Watching In Africa - The Ultimate Vacation (8)
What Region is Best? Bird Watching in Africa is also popular on the Eastern portion of the continent. The bulk of the tourism is in the South, but a larger number of species exist in the Eastern nations of Kenya and Tanzania than anywhere else.
Find Your Dream Work At Home (9)
These fora are helpful not only in looking for work-at-home jobs but also in determining whether these jobs really pay their employees. Many online moms also join such fora and they can help you in many ways.
Best Prices Digital Cameras (10)
These comparisons are the best way for you to select the type of digital camera that will give you many design features as well as an affordable price. The Aughter is a Gadget enthusiast, and critic.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Eight Ways To Get Over The Person Who Broke Your Heart (1)
Organize an out of town trip with your friends or try hosting a party. Be with happy people and absorb their vibes. 5. Reminisce. This may sound weird but is sometimes effective.
How To Choose Best Skin Care Products For Men? (2)
Even though the rays of the sun are harmful, sun bathing has got its own curing effects also. Still, the skin needs some kind of protection from direct exposure to sun.
Tips On Adding A Garage To Your Property (3)
A garage addition will also allow you to gain extra much needed space, develop a rental unit such as an apartment for college-aged children or your mother-in-law, r even establish a home office that will give you privacy while still allowing you the luxury of working at home.
The Field Of Telemetry Is Growing By Leaps And Bounds (4)
Keywords: Telemetry Data, Telemetry Equipment, Telemetry Gsm, Telemetry Monitor, Telemetry Receivers, Telemetr Telemetry is the study and measurement of the transmission of data over certain mediums, such as telephones or computer networks.
How To Organize Your Home On A Budget (5)
It's a mess and it is impossible to see how it is going to look any better without spending a lot of money. You are wrong!! First, we need to take everything out of the closet and put it in 'like' piles.
The Aristocrat Among Dogs (6)
The appearance generally should indicate a dog of great strength, and very active for his build and size, moving freely with the body swung loosely between the legs, which gives a slight roll in gait.
Stay At Home Parent; Would Home Based Business Encourage Social Isolation? (7)
There are many different jobs that stay at home parents might do.The important thing about working from home and being a stay at home parent is that you can set your own hours.This is very important if you have small children that are going to need your time.
Marketing Products By Writing Articles And Email (8)
For instance, if you sell widgets, you might develop a course that teaches people how to use widgets or how to care for their widget. Experts agree that an email course can be written for almost any product that you can imagine if you put enough thought into it.
How To Increase Traffic To Your Website (9)
Now you have an unpaid, but high-quality link to your website which a visitor or a search engine can follow. The more times you do this, the more targeted links you have pointing to your website.
What Is Combinatorial Chemistry? (10)
Bruce Merrifield hailing from the University Rockefeller in 1960, developed a technique classically known as synthesis solid phase, this became a key in production of proteins entirety and the enzymes over the last few decades.