cover letter question - previously published work

fov · Feb 12, 2010

Sorry if this is the wrong forum, I wasn't sure where to post...

I want to submit a piece that was published in a literary journal in 2005 to an anthology. The journal had first serial rights, and the anthology's guidelines say that they will gladly consider previously published work but don't specify if they want to be informed that it's previously published.

I'm not sure if I should say on my cover letter that it has been published (and when, and by whom), or leave it out and only disclose this if they accept the piece. Any opinions?

Maryn · Feb 12, 2010

I'd be up-front about it have been published previously, since the anthology is open to such work.

After all, it means somebody else has judged it worthy, right?

Maryn, unworthy

johnnysannie · Feb 12, 2010

I would definitely disclose the piece's publication history at the time of submission after determining that the particular market you're submitting to accepts previously published work. Some do and some don't.

It's better to always be upfront with editors - they want to know before they make a commitment to publish and purchase.

scope · Feb 12, 2010

Disclose now. If you wait it's a problem you'll continue to think about and hopefully one that some day you will have to find a way to deal with.

fov · Feb 13, 2010

Thanks for the feedback. It's always good to have a consensus!

Katrina S. Forest · Feb 14, 2010

It's only fair that the anthology know if they'll be buying one-time rights or first rights. If they've already said, they'll consider previously-published work, then there's no reason it should hurt your chances to disclose it.

cover letter question - previously published work

fov

Rattenmonster

Maryn

I Tried

johnnysannie

scope

Commonsensical Maverick

fov

Rattenmonster

Katrina S. Forest