Sending manuscript to multiple publishers












8















As an addendum to this question, I have written a children's picturebook, and as I understand it, the process of sending off a manuscript and getting it reviewed is expected to take 3-6 months (I am based in the UK).



Is it bad form to send the manuscript to multiple publishers, or is this expected?










share|improve this question



























    8















    As an addendum to this question, I have written a children's picturebook, and as I understand it, the process of sending off a manuscript and getting it reviewed is expected to take 3-6 months (I am based in the UK).



    Is it bad form to send the manuscript to multiple publishers, or is this expected?










    share|improve this question

























      8












      8








      8


      2






      As an addendum to this question, I have written a children's picturebook, and as I understand it, the process of sending off a manuscript and getting it reviewed is expected to take 3-6 months (I am based in the UK).



      Is it bad form to send the manuscript to multiple publishers, or is this expected?










      share|improve this question














      As an addendum to this question, I have written a children's picturebook, and as I understand it, the process of sending off a manuscript and getting it reviewed is expected to take 3-6 months (I am based in the UK).



      Is it bad form to send the manuscript to multiple publishers, or is this expected?







      publishing children submitting-work






      share|improve this question













      share|improve this question











      share|improve this question




      share|improve this question










      asked Mar 29 at 15:33









      martinmartin

      21215




      21215






















          4 Answers
          4






          active

          oldest

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          5














          This is a norm that has changed. Not long ago, simultaneous submissions were frowned upon. Now they are largely expected. However, publishing tends to be an old-fashioned industry. There are still hold-outs that have different expectations, so make sure you check the submission guidelines for each publisher.



          I would recommend, however, that you query first, rather than submit. This means sending a letter describing your manuscript, and waiting for it to be requested before sending it. There are several reasons for this, including that you are free to query as many publishers and/or agents as you want at any time. You are also much more likely to have an unsolicited query read than an unsolicited manuscript reviewed. You can also query in bulk, and/or tweak your query over time.



          Many agents and publishers ask for the entire text of the manuscript to be included in the query for picture books, since those manuscripts tend to be very short (only a few pages of text). This still does not count as a "submission," per se, in terms of simultaneous submissions. If you are lucky enough to get multiple requests for your manuscript, each of those counts as a submission. It is appropriate at that point to ask whether simultaneous submissions are allowed, and to consider whether you do WANT to submit simultaneously or not (for instance, you might want to wait for a response from your first choice publisher before submitting to your second choice).






          share|improve this answer































            8














            Most publishers are fine with simultaneous submissions and understand that it could otherwise take years for a manuscript to be accepted. What's important is to read the publisher's guidelines before submitting (they should say if they require exclusive submissions) and to be up front about it.



            Because every genre has a different publishing culture, I looked up information about children's books. The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators is the primary professional writer's organization for this genre. They say:




            Once you have chosen the right markets for your project, you are
            free to send it to publishers that are accepting unsolicited
            manuscripts...Exclusive submission means that
            you will not present your project to any other publisher while one
            publisher has it. You can designate the length of time it will remain
            exclusive. But most publishers who still accept unsolicited
            manuscripts also allow multiple submissions, which means you are
            sending it to multiple publishers. You should make your submission
            status very clear in your cover letter...Keep copies/files of your correspondence and set up a
            system to track your submissions.




            The way I've seen it managed is to state in the cover letter either that this is a "simultaneous submission" (the term "multiple submission" is often used but technically means sending more than one manuscript to the same publisher) or to say that you will give them X number of weeks before submitting elsewhere. I plan to use that last one when I submit my book to my dream publisher.



            It is also important to send a short note to the publisher if you get an offer from a different publisher. This allows them the opportunity to move your book up in the review queue so they can decide if they'd like to make you an offer as well. Agents do this all the time.






            share|improve this answer































              1















              1. You may submit simultaneously to multiple publishers. Publishers expect that you do.


              2. You mustn't submit simultanously to muliple agents. And you mustn't submit to publishers before you submit to an agent.







              share|improve this answer








              New contributor




              user10915156 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
              Check out our Code of Conduct.




























                0














                From what I have read elsewhere, unless they specifically mention that they accept multiple submissions, it is very bad form indeed.



                The publisher has a process that takes time. If he is impressed by the mss and is working to get it published, having rivals doing the same unbeknownst to him will sour things.



                Imagine you are working on a project, you go to your client and tell them it is finished and here it is. They tell you that they had it done already by X, thank you for your interest. You won’t do business with them again and will likely mention the experience to colleagues.



                Multiple submissions could destroy your reputation.



                One publisher at a time.






                share|improve this answer
























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                  4 Answers
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                  4 Answers
                  4






                  active

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                  active

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                  5














                  This is a norm that has changed. Not long ago, simultaneous submissions were frowned upon. Now they are largely expected. However, publishing tends to be an old-fashioned industry. There are still hold-outs that have different expectations, so make sure you check the submission guidelines for each publisher.



                  I would recommend, however, that you query first, rather than submit. This means sending a letter describing your manuscript, and waiting for it to be requested before sending it. There are several reasons for this, including that you are free to query as many publishers and/or agents as you want at any time. You are also much more likely to have an unsolicited query read than an unsolicited manuscript reviewed. You can also query in bulk, and/or tweak your query over time.



                  Many agents and publishers ask for the entire text of the manuscript to be included in the query for picture books, since those manuscripts tend to be very short (only a few pages of text). This still does not count as a "submission," per se, in terms of simultaneous submissions. If you are lucky enough to get multiple requests for your manuscript, each of those counts as a submission. It is appropriate at that point to ask whether simultaneous submissions are allowed, and to consider whether you do WANT to submit simultaneously or not (for instance, you might want to wait for a response from your first choice publisher before submitting to your second choice).






                  share|improve this answer




























                    5














                    This is a norm that has changed. Not long ago, simultaneous submissions were frowned upon. Now they are largely expected. However, publishing tends to be an old-fashioned industry. There are still hold-outs that have different expectations, so make sure you check the submission guidelines for each publisher.



                    I would recommend, however, that you query first, rather than submit. This means sending a letter describing your manuscript, and waiting for it to be requested before sending it. There are several reasons for this, including that you are free to query as many publishers and/or agents as you want at any time. You are also much more likely to have an unsolicited query read than an unsolicited manuscript reviewed. You can also query in bulk, and/or tweak your query over time.



                    Many agents and publishers ask for the entire text of the manuscript to be included in the query for picture books, since those manuscripts tend to be very short (only a few pages of text). This still does not count as a "submission," per se, in terms of simultaneous submissions. If you are lucky enough to get multiple requests for your manuscript, each of those counts as a submission. It is appropriate at that point to ask whether simultaneous submissions are allowed, and to consider whether you do WANT to submit simultaneously or not (for instance, you might want to wait for a response from your first choice publisher before submitting to your second choice).






                    share|improve this answer


























                      5












                      5








                      5







                      This is a norm that has changed. Not long ago, simultaneous submissions were frowned upon. Now they are largely expected. However, publishing tends to be an old-fashioned industry. There are still hold-outs that have different expectations, so make sure you check the submission guidelines for each publisher.



                      I would recommend, however, that you query first, rather than submit. This means sending a letter describing your manuscript, and waiting for it to be requested before sending it. There are several reasons for this, including that you are free to query as many publishers and/or agents as you want at any time. You are also much more likely to have an unsolicited query read than an unsolicited manuscript reviewed. You can also query in bulk, and/or tweak your query over time.



                      Many agents and publishers ask for the entire text of the manuscript to be included in the query for picture books, since those manuscripts tend to be very short (only a few pages of text). This still does not count as a "submission," per se, in terms of simultaneous submissions. If you are lucky enough to get multiple requests for your manuscript, each of those counts as a submission. It is appropriate at that point to ask whether simultaneous submissions are allowed, and to consider whether you do WANT to submit simultaneously or not (for instance, you might want to wait for a response from your first choice publisher before submitting to your second choice).






                      share|improve this answer













                      This is a norm that has changed. Not long ago, simultaneous submissions were frowned upon. Now they are largely expected. However, publishing tends to be an old-fashioned industry. There are still hold-outs that have different expectations, so make sure you check the submission guidelines for each publisher.



                      I would recommend, however, that you query first, rather than submit. This means sending a letter describing your manuscript, and waiting for it to be requested before sending it. There are several reasons for this, including that you are free to query as many publishers and/or agents as you want at any time. You are also much more likely to have an unsolicited query read than an unsolicited manuscript reviewed. You can also query in bulk, and/or tweak your query over time.



                      Many agents and publishers ask for the entire text of the manuscript to be included in the query for picture books, since those manuscripts tend to be very short (only a few pages of text). This still does not count as a "submission," per se, in terms of simultaneous submissions. If you are lucky enough to get multiple requests for your manuscript, each of those counts as a submission. It is appropriate at that point to ask whether simultaneous submissions are allowed, and to consider whether you do WANT to submit simultaneously or not (for instance, you might want to wait for a response from your first choice publisher before submitting to your second choice).







                      share|improve this answer












                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer










                      answered Mar 29 at 20:01









                      Chris SunamiChris Sunami

                      32.6k341118




                      32.6k341118























                          8














                          Most publishers are fine with simultaneous submissions and understand that it could otherwise take years for a manuscript to be accepted. What's important is to read the publisher's guidelines before submitting (they should say if they require exclusive submissions) and to be up front about it.



                          Because every genre has a different publishing culture, I looked up information about children's books. The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators is the primary professional writer's organization for this genre. They say:




                          Once you have chosen the right markets for your project, you are
                          free to send it to publishers that are accepting unsolicited
                          manuscripts...Exclusive submission means that
                          you will not present your project to any other publisher while one
                          publisher has it. You can designate the length of time it will remain
                          exclusive. But most publishers who still accept unsolicited
                          manuscripts also allow multiple submissions, which means you are
                          sending it to multiple publishers. You should make your submission
                          status very clear in your cover letter...Keep copies/files of your correspondence and set up a
                          system to track your submissions.




                          The way I've seen it managed is to state in the cover letter either that this is a "simultaneous submission" (the term "multiple submission" is often used but technically means sending more than one manuscript to the same publisher) or to say that you will give them X number of weeks before submitting elsewhere. I plan to use that last one when I submit my book to my dream publisher.



                          It is also important to send a short note to the publisher if you get an offer from a different publisher. This allows them the opportunity to move your book up in the review queue so they can decide if they'd like to make you an offer as well. Agents do this all the time.






                          share|improve this answer




























                            8














                            Most publishers are fine with simultaneous submissions and understand that it could otherwise take years for a manuscript to be accepted. What's important is to read the publisher's guidelines before submitting (they should say if they require exclusive submissions) and to be up front about it.



                            Because every genre has a different publishing culture, I looked up information about children's books. The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators is the primary professional writer's organization for this genre. They say:




                            Once you have chosen the right markets for your project, you are
                            free to send it to publishers that are accepting unsolicited
                            manuscripts...Exclusive submission means that
                            you will not present your project to any other publisher while one
                            publisher has it. You can designate the length of time it will remain
                            exclusive. But most publishers who still accept unsolicited
                            manuscripts also allow multiple submissions, which means you are
                            sending it to multiple publishers. You should make your submission
                            status very clear in your cover letter...Keep copies/files of your correspondence and set up a
                            system to track your submissions.




                            The way I've seen it managed is to state in the cover letter either that this is a "simultaneous submission" (the term "multiple submission" is often used but technically means sending more than one manuscript to the same publisher) or to say that you will give them X number of weeks before submitting elsewhere. I plan to use that last one when I submit my book to my dream publisher.



                            It is also important to send a short note to the publisher if you get an offer from a different publisher. This allows them the opportunity to move your book up in the review queue so they can decide if they'd like to make you an offer as well. Agents do this all the time.






                            share|improve this answer


























                              8












                              8








                              8







                              Most publishers are fine with simultaneous submissions and understand that it could otherwise take years for a manuscript to be accepted. What's important is to read the publisher's guidelines before submitting (they should say if they require exclusive submissions) and to be up front about it.



                              Because every genre has a different publishing culture, I looked up information about children's books. The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators is the primary professional writer's organization for this genre. They say:




                              Once you have chosen the right markets for your project, you are
                              free to send it to publishers that are accepting unsolicited
                              manuscripts...Exclusive submission means that
                              you will not present your project to any other publisher while one
                              publisher has it. You can designate the length of time it will remain
                              exclusive. But most publishers who still accept unsolicited
                              manuscripts also allow multiple submissions, which means you are
                              sending it to multiple publishers. You should make your submission
                              status very clear in your cover letter...Keep copies/files of your correspondence and set up a
                              system to track your submissions.




                              The way I've seen it managed is to state in the cover letter either that this is a "simultaneous submission" (the term "multiple submission" is often used but technically means sending more than one manuscript to the same publisher) or to say that you will give them X number of weeks before submitting elsewhere. I plan to use that last one when I submit my book to my dream publisher.



                              It is also important to send a short note to the publisher if you get an offer from a different publisher. This allows them the opportunity to move your book up in the review queue so they can decide if they'd like to make you an offer as well. Agents do this all the time.






                              share|improve this answer













                              Most publishers are fine with simultaneous submissions and understand that it could otherwise take years for a manuscript to be accepted. What's important is to read the publisher's guidelines before submitting (they should say if they require exclusive submissions) and to be up front about it.



                              Because every genre has a different publishing culture, I looked up information about children's books. The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators is the primary professional writer's organization for this genre. They say:




                              Once you have chosen the right markets for your project, you are
                              free to send it to publishers that are accepting unsolicited
                              manuscripts...Exclusive submission means that
                              you will not present your project to any other publisher while one
                              publisher has it. You can designate the length of time it will remain
                              exclusive. But most publishers who still accept unsolicited
                              manuscripts also allow multiple submissions, which means you are
                              sending it to multiple publishers. You should make your submission
                              status very clear in your cover letter...Keep copies/files of your correspondence and set up a
                              system to track your submissions.




                              The way I've seen it managed is to state in the cover letter either that this is a "simultaneous submission" (the term "multiple submission" is often used but technically means sending more than one manuscript to the same publisher) or to say that you will give them X number of weeks before submitting elsewhere. I plan to use that last one when I submit my book to my dream publisher.



                              It is also important to send a short note to the publisher if you get an offer from a different publisher. This allows them the opportunity to move your book up in the review queue so they can decide if they'd like to make you an offer as well. Agents do this all the time.







                              share|improve this answer












                              share|improve this answer



                              share|improve this answer










                              answered Mar 29 at 17:31









                              CynCyn

                              17.2k13681




                              17.2k13681























                                  1















                                  1. You may submit simultaneously to multiple publishers. Publishers expect that you do.


                                  2. You mustn't submit simultanously to muliple agents. And you mustn't submit to publishers before you submit to an agent.







                                  share|improve this answer








                                  New contributor




                                  user10915156 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                  Check out our Code of Conduct.

























                                    1















                                    1. You may submit simultaneously to multiple publishers. Publishers expect that you do.


                                    2. You mustn't submit simultanously to muliple agents. And you mustn't submit to publishers before you submit to an agent.







                                    share|improve this answer








                                    New contributor




                                    user10915156 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                    Check out our Code of Conduct.























                                      1












                                      1








                                      1








                                      1. You may submit simultaneously to multiple publishers. Publishers expect that you do.


                                      2. You mustn't submit simultanously to muliple agents. And you mustn't submit to publishers before you submit to an agent.







                                      share|improve this answer








                                      New contributor




                                      user10915156 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                      Check out our Code of Conduct.











                                      1. You may submit simultaneously to multiple publishers. Publishers expect that you do.


                                      2. You mustn't submit simultanously to muliple agents. And you mustn't submit to publishers before you submit to an agent.








                                      share|improve this answer








                                      New contributor




                                      user10915156 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                      Check out our Code of Conduct.









                                      share|improve this answer



                                      share|improve this answer






                                      New contributor




                                      user10915156 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                      Check out our Code of Conduct.









                                      answered Mar 31 at 16:29









                                      user10915156user10915156

                                      684110




                                      684110




                                      New contributor




                                      user10915156 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                      Check out our Code of Conduct.





                                      New contributor





                                      user10915156 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                      Check out our Code of Conduct.






                                      user10915156 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                      Check out our Code of Conduct.























                                          0














                                          From what I have read elsewhere, unless they specifically mention that they accept multiple submissions, it is very bad form indeed.



                                          The publisher has a process that takes time. If he is impressed by the mss and is working to get it published, having rivals doing the same unbeknownst to him will sour things.



                                          Imagine you are working on a project, you go to your client and tell them it is finished and here it is. They tell you that they had it done already by X, thank you for your interest. You won’t do business with them again and will likely mention the experience to colleagues.



                                          Multiple submissions could destroy your reputation.



                                          One publisher at a time.






                                          share|improve this answer




























                                            0














                                            From what I have read elsewhere, unless they specifically mention that they accept multiple submissions, it is very bad form indeed.



                                            The publisher has a process that takes time. If he is impressed by the mss and is working to get it published, having rivals doing the same unbeknownst to him will sour things.



                                            Imagine you are working on a project, you go to your client and tell them it is finished and here it is. They tell you that they had it done already by X, thank you for your interest. You won’t do business with them again and will likely mention the experience to colleagues.



                                            Multiple submissions could destroy your reputation.



                                            One publisher at a time.






                                            share|improve this answer


























                                              0












                                              0








                                              0







                                              From what I have read elsewhere, unless they specifically mention that they accept multiple submissions, it is very bad form indeed.



                                              The publisher has a process that takes time. If he is impressed by the mss and is working to get it published, having rivals doing the same unbeknownst to him will sour things.



                                              Imagine you are working on a project, you go to your client and tell them it is finished and here it is. They tell you that they had it done already by X, thank you for your interest. You won’t do business with them again and will likely mention the experience to colleagues.



                                              Multiple submissions could destroy your reputation.



                                              One publisher at a time.






                                              share|improve this answer













                                              From what I have read elsewhere, unless they specifically mention that they accept multiple submissions, it is very bad form indeed.



                                              The publisher has a process that takes time. If he is impressed by the mss and is working to get it published, having rivals doing the same unbeknownst to him will sour things.



                                              Imagine you are working on a project, you go to your client and tell them it is finished and here it is. They tell you that they had it done already by X, thank you for your interest. You won’t do business with them again and will likely mention the experience to colleagues.



                                              Multiple submissions could destroy your reputation.



                                              One publisher at a time.







                                              share|improve this answer












                                              share|improve this answer



                                              share|improve this answer










                                              answered Mar 29 at 17:15









                                              RasdashanRasdashan

                                              9,4981160




                                              9,4981160






























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