How long after you're published before you submit again?

[MumblingSage]

Another etiquette question for you: after a market accepts a story, how long before you submit another story to the same market? A few months after acceptance? A few months after publication? Does it depend on the market's reply time and policy? I know some markets specifically state how long you should wait after acceptance/publication and your next submission, but most don't, and I wondered if there was a general guideline.

[Cathy C]

I usually mention other articles/stories I've got while I'm still in the editing stage, or when I turn in the final product. You've got the benefit of the editor's attention at that moment, and s/he's feeling warm and fuzzy toward you (provided you've turned in on time and s/he likes the edits you've made.) You've also got a direct email, rather than a blind query email, which is much better.

If you wait until publication, it might be months or even a year after you've turned in the final. Print magazines work 6-9 months out, and your name will be likely forgotten by then. Strike while the iron's still hot, but politely. A simple line at the bottom of the enclosure email is best. Something like:, "Oh, and by the way, I have a couple of other stories that might work well for future issues. Should I submit them the same way, or send them directly to you?" Give the editor that "out" of sending to the blind email, but often they'll ask to see them personally. That's how you develop an on-going relationship. :)

[Polenth]

If I have something I want to send, and they don't give any instructions, I assume I can submit again immediately. For the good markets, they'll reject most of the stuff you send anyway... so better to start early when it comes to getting another piece accepted.

[Jamesaritchie]

For me, it all depends on the market. How often do they publish, do they have a policy about number of submissions per year, etc.

But I have found that many markets stating they only want one or two published stories by the same writer each year "cheat" by allowing a good story to go in under a pseudonym.

If there is no policy, I submit again as soon as I have something that fits the market, be it a week later, or six months later.

[Shadow_Ferret]

Depends on their guidelines, as others have said. I've seen some that don't want to see anything after you've published with them for 6 months.

[Stijn Hommes]

A few zines have reading periods. If you can only send one story per period, you'll have to wait. If you're lucky and submitted to a market that doesn't stop reading, strike while the iron is hot and submit again sooner.