Is it okay to try more than one editor at the same publisher?

Writing Jedi · May 5, 2006

I mean not at the same time, but if you mail a query letter to one specific editor at XYZ Publishing and they reject you but you also have the name of another editor there, is it okay to try that person?

I read (I believe on Miss Snark) that it is okay to try more than one agent in an agency if you want to. Is it the same with editors or will you only get a reputation for being an idiot??

Thank you.

jules · May 5, 2006

I'd send a letter on a per-publisher basis querying whether this is acceptable. At a guess, most will say no, but I've been wrong before...

On the other hand, I think you're more likely to get results sending your book to as many different publishers as possible. Which isn't many, considering how long each one will want it exclusively for...

Silver King · May 6, 2006

You've been reading Miss Snark way too long if you think your actions are the result of sub par intelligence. (Actually, her preferred term is "nitwit.")

The problem with your approach is that you may spend considerable time beating the proverbial dead horse. If they've already said no once, they're likely to do so again and again. Better to follow jules' advice and query as many different publishers as possible. This way you start fresh each time and expand your chances of acceptance without looking back.

triceretops · May 6, 2006

The first time I tried that I got caught on it. The had me logged in the main computer for a rejection, gave the book title, editor and date. I was embarassed to say the least.

I wouldn't do it really.

Tri

Torgo · May 8, 2006

popmuze · May 8, 2006

Torgo]No.

Does the same hold true for imprints of the same publisher: ie. Random House has at least a dozen imprints under its realm.

Wesley Smith · May 8, 2006

popmuze said:
Does the same hold true for imprints of the same publisher: ie. Random House has at least a dozen imprints under its realm.

That is the only situation in which it would be okay. Most of the larger publishers run their imprints as seperate companies, with separate policies and processes.

Torgo · May 10, 2006

Although there aren't many companies with two or more imprints who would both be likely to consider your book for publication.

popmuze · May 10, 2006

Can you elaborate on that comment? On my first dozen readings, I just don't get it.

Torgo · Nov 7, 2006

A hundred years later (I thought I'd answered but I guess I didn't):

The logic of having different imprints within a publishing company is, ideally, that each imprint has a distinct identity and publishes different kinds of books. It's unlikely that Book X would be of interest to imprint A and imprint B; perhaps A is the literary fiction line, and B is the mass-market airport novel line. The publisher wants to have two distinct brands which can be marketed in different ways to different audiences. It's rare for a company to have two lists in direct competition with each other.

popmuze · Nov 7, 2006

Torgo said:
A hundred years later (I thought I'd answered but I guess I didn't):

The logic of having different imprints within a publishing company is, ideally, that each imprint has a distinct identity and publishes different kinds of books. It's unlikely that Book X would be of interest to imprint A and imprint B; perhaps A is the literary fiction line, and B is the mass-market airport novel line. The publisher wants to have two distinct brands which can be marketed in different ways to different audiences. It's rare for a company to have two lists in direct competition with each other.

At last! Now I can finally stop holding my breath.

Is it okay to try more than one editor at the same publisher?

Writing Jedi

jules

Bored fanatic

Silver King

Megalops Erectus

triceretops

Torgo

Formerly Phantom of Krankor.

popmuze

Last of a Dying Breed

Wesley Smith

Torgo

Formerly Phantom of Krankor.

popmuze

Last of a Dying Breed

Torgo

Formerly Phantom of Krankor.

popmuze

Last of a Dying Breed