Simultaneous Submissions

[RG570]

If a publisher doesn't explicitly say in their guidelines anything about simultaneous submissions, does that mean they're okay with them?

[jchines]

I've always taken the default to be "No simsubs," which is the more common position in my experience.

If they have an e-mail address, you could always write and ask.

[Carmy]

Publishers have no right to ask for exclusive viewing when they can take six months or longer to reply to a query. Let's be realistic about this - it could take years before a writer gets anywhere.

On the other hand, if the publisher promises to view queries within a couple of weeks, then allow them that amount of time before submitting elsewhere.

[jchines]

Are we talking about queries or submissions here? Short fiction or novels or non-fiction?

The general rule on queries is that you can send 'em to as many agents as you want. A short fiction submission, on the other hand, is generally a one-at-a-time deal unless the market specifically says sim-subs are okay.

[Lauri B]

Because we only do nonfiction, I can only address this. It's no problem for me if you are submitting elsewhere; I would assume it's the case, actually. It's always nice to have a note on the cover letter that says "please note that this is a simultaneous sub," in case I absolutely love the manuscript and will know someone else might pick it up, but in general I agree with Carmy--you snooze, you lose.

[Del]

Publishers have no right to ask for exclusive viewing when they can take six months or longer to reply to a query.

They have the right. Terms of submission. It should be spelled out before hand. If an editor objects to simultaneous submissions he should say so or he has no recourse.

Given the lengthy duration for feedback, disallowing simultaneous submissions is unethical, but the editor has a time investment in the work and to read and accept a piece that has just been contracted by another publishing company is disturbing. I can see their point.

If you submit and disclose that it is simultaneous then the editor can make an informed choice to invest time in your work. He can put it down if he wants. But this is problematic as well. What if they all put it down and you don't get read. I don't submit simultaneously to publishers.

It would be nice if there were a way to put your work in a place that editors trusted and could go and scope out new work; like a magazine for used cars. The closest thing is an agent. An Agent is reselling you. He has a time investment in you also, but I see him as a door to door salesman. Reading is a small price to pay for his stock. He doesn't encounter the same gambles that the publisher does. I've got no guilt with multiple subs to agents.

[Carmy]

I would assume that any writer who has contracted a novel to a publisher would inform other publishers and withdraw the submissions. That is the professional and moral way.