Simultaneous Submissions

Writer-2-Author · Mar 9, 2011

I am attending a writers conference this summer where there will be several agents on hand to pitch to. I'm looking at pitching my book to five of them. When agents go to these conferences, do they understand that people will be pitching to several agents? Are they ok with simultaneous submissions since they know in advance there will be several agents to pitch to? Or, do you pitch until the first agent asks to see more and then pitch no more???

Thanks,
Robin

Chris P · Mar 9, 2011

It seems to me most agents allow sim subs. The recommended approach to finding an agent (even by mail) is to query in batches, and if one makes an offer give the others who've shown interest an opportunity to counteroffer. I doubt anyone at a convention is going to expect an exclusive opportunity.

Becca C. · Mar 9, 2011

I think it would be obvious to them that, at a conference, you're going to be pitching to more than one person. So I think it'll be all right!

Writer-2-Author · Mar 9, 2011

Thanks everyone!!! It's kind of what I thought, but wanted to be sure.

Thanks,
Robin

Connie Briscoe · Mar 10, 2011

I have a post about this on my blog. In short, since most agents are fine with authors approaching other agents by mail it should be fine at a conference. Agents realize that it often takes them a while to respond to your submission and they don't expect you to let the novel just sit until they do.

Anne Lyle · Mar 10, 2011

"Simultaneous submissions" means the full ms, not an initial approach (query or sample chapters). Publishing moves slowly enough, without querying one agent at a time!

Danthia · Mar 11, 2011

Queries are always simultaneous submissions and agents advise querying widely. Most agents these days are also fine with the manuscript being with multiple agents (though a few still wants exclusives). Pitch away and good luck!

Simultaneous Submissions

Writer-2-Author

Chris P

Likes metaphors mixed, not stirred

Becca C.

Writer-2-Author

Connie Briscoe

Anne Lyle

Fantastic historian

Danthia