To Multiple or not to Multiple?

by Lori Soard

Many of today's publishers state in their guidelines that they don't except multiple submissions.  Yet, if we are all honest, we'll admit to having submitted to several houses at once anyway.  Editors are overburdened with slushpiles and response time can extend into months.

Should you wait three to eight months before submitting to other publishers?  That is definitely a decision that is in your hands.  You may decide to follow the path of least resistance and wait to hear from Publisher # 1 before sending to Publisher # 2.   There is nothing wrong with that approach.  But perhaps you're getting bold in your own age and you don't want to wait eight months before sending to Publisher # 2.   If you are a bold, risk-taker this option might be for you.

So, how do you know if it's the right choice to multiple submit?  If the house clearly states they do not accept multiple submissions, it might be best to tread cautiously.  If you know any of the authors who write for them, question them about whether they've multiple submitted and what the response was.  If the house does not state, you should probably go ahead and submit to several places at once.  It decreases your wait time and if more than one editor is interested can get you a larger advance.

Let's say you broke the cardinal rule and you submitted to several houses even though their guidelines clearly state they don't accept multiple submissions.  Now three want to see your full manuscript.  What should you do?  It is probably best to be upfront.  At this point the editor is willing to invest a lot of time into reading your manuscript.  She has a right to know that other houses are looking at it too.

I would simply state in my cover letter that the other two houses are also considering the book.  But what if Publisher # 1 requests the full and then two weeks later Publishers # 2 and # 3 request it?  It's common courtesy to send a short note to Publisher # 1 to let her know it is also being considered by these other houses.  Do you have to do that?  Of course not.  But an editor may get pretty exasperated if she reads your manuscript and calls to make an offer only to find out the book has already been sold to another house.  It may hurt your chances with that house later.  

Also, what do you do if Publisher # 1 makes an offer but Publisher # 2 is really your choice?  You phone Publisher # 2 of course.  Tell them you had an offer from Publisher # 1 and ask if they are willing to match or beat that offer.  Yes, this is a bold approach.  You might feel more comfortable pulling in an agent at this point in the game.  It is entirely up to you. 

Let me just say that should you run into this problem, lucky you!  Most importantly, keep sending your work out there and keep a positive attitude. 

Lori Soard has a Ph.D. in Journalism and Creative Writing.  Thousands of her articles and short stories have been published.  She recently ran into a multiple submission problem as described above and is thrilled to announce she sold the book.  She loves to hear from her readers.  You can email her at lasoard@aol.com or visit her online at www.lorisoard.com