Multiple Submissions, Yes or No?As the name suggests multiple submissions refers to when a writer sends out the same piece of writing to more than one publisher at a time. An action that for obvious reasons is, on the whole, approved of by writers and disapproved of by publishers. As a writer it can be frustrating to wait several months for a publishing house to get back to us and say whether they like our work or not. Let’s face it unless we send out a bundle of submissions at one time it can take a year to approach just four or five publishers with our work. What if it takes submitting to ten publishers before it’s accepted – that’s two years or more. Publishers, understandably, don’t want to waste their time reading and thinking about a submission that could already have been snapped up by another editor. Over the years I have always stuck with the principle of never sending out submissions to more than three publishers at once. The reason I picked three is firstly because what if I sent the work out to ten publishers and only later found out I missed a glaring error on page one? Since it’s unacceptable to correct and resubmit the writing that would instantly be ten possible markets crossed off my list. Secondly, what if everyone I sent the work to wanted to publish it? I don’t think my ego would feel comfortable with more than three publishers vying against each other to offer me multi-million dollar contract. So despite the fact that the outlook on multiple submissions is changing and as is the response time of some publishers (thankfully) this topic is still an area that raises a lot of questions. In the end the decision is every writers to make. Although once in a while an understanding editor will add to their writers guidelines ‘multiple submissions accepted’. Return from Multiple Submissions to Writers Guidelines Tips New! CommentsHave your say about what you've just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. |
UPCOMING ONLINE COURSES
Magazine Articles that Sell
(journalism)
9th February to 8th March
Writing from the Heart
(true-life/personal essay)
2nd March to 30th March
RESERVE YOUR PLACE
TODAY
What people are saying about our online courses ...
'I'm delighted and proud of my first attempt. Thank you for a wonderful course. I have been enriched.'
AK, Zimbabwe
‘You were my inspiration in actually doing something with my writing. I would like to thank you for kicking me in the butt and insisting I do something!’
Bec, Australia
‘Elizabeth, this was a terrific, confidence building, well-honed little course. I would thoroughly recommend it.’
Margot, Australia
‘Writing is a labour of love when we expose ourselves by baring our soul. I believe Elizabeth Bezant has the skill to combine respect for our feelings, with pragmatic strategies to help us publish our precious efforts.’
John, Australia
‘Elizabeth, this was a great course and though it was short it has boosted my confidence in my writing. Thank you!’
Rachael, Australia
‘A very rewarding challenge – not too difficult, not too easy. Every word was welcome and useful. I edit other people’s writing in a really similar manner, but it’s amazing how difficult it is to see those same errors in your own work.’
Margot, Australia
'Great course Elizabeth! I would not have taken the time to seriously try this genre but for your course. I made the last few changes you suggested and have sent the essay in to ............. After reviewing their requirements I see that my piece fits in every way possible.'
SM,Canada
The critiquing to me was the whole point of the course. While the general comments and writing tips were vital as a backbone to the course, the personal interaction and direction was the whole point of it all.’
Sue, Australia
‘I thoroughly enjoyed course, and it being online made it a breeze.’
Rowe, Australia
Fill in the form below to receive regular updates and information through our newsletter.
‘A publisher asked me to send her some of my writing this year. But I never would have without this course.’
Raewyn, Australia
‘I’ve just sent off the last of the assignments for critiquing and before I go any further I must say a very big thank you to you for the joy you have given me! Not only have I learnt so much from you, but I have also so appreciated all the encouragement and your wise counsel in assisting me to do something that I wouldn’t have believed could have been nearly possible. I will miss you.’
Yvonne, Australia
'Thanks to Elizabeth I can now source markets for personal stories, competently make my writing market-ready and sell it with confidence. Your editing skills are an asset to the writing community. I recommend this course to any writer who wants to break into this market.'
JOH, Australia
'I thought the way the market information was presented was not only informative but importantly for me it was written in a friendly manner. It took away some of the awesome fear I have of confronting the real world of publishing.'
KM, Australia