Considering Multiple Submissions

Every editor and agent are aware that authors submit their projects to multiple people. You are a fool if you do not do this. It would be a complete waste of time to send it to one person, wait for a response and then send it to the next person after feedback (if you get any feedback at all). However, I do want to address to things every author needs to consider when it comes to those multiple submissions.

First of all, when you send out those submissions, EVERY PERSON you send it to should be someone you want to work with. This means if that editor or agent comes back to you with an offer, you want to take it. This is someone who is at the top of your list! This agent or editor is not a "back up plan" for you!

I want you to reverse the table for a minute and think about something. You are the agent and you just received a manuscript (among all of the other manuscripts from the other eager authors out there). In between developmental editing your own clients' manuscripts, writing proposals, reviewing contracts, sending out proposals, writing blogs such as this, preparing those workshops for the conferences on the weekends, and for many, working other jobs and dealing with your own daily lives, you are taking the time to read these new manuscripts. You requested a full manuscript so you commit to reading the full project. You take notes as you are going because you might think there is some potential.

And then... one of two things happen.

You get an email from the author saying that another agent has made an offer and they now need a decision in 24 hours from you... or...

You reach out to discuss and they come back to you saying that they want to talk to other agents first.

You tell me what is going on in your head as an agent?

I know many of you hear authors out there in the middle of bidding wars with editors over their books, but these people most likely had careers going. They had something big to offer. For most new authors, and I stress new here, you are in the process of launching your career. 

I am very clear when you submit to me that I will get to your project as quickly as I can. I state that I will not go beyond 3 months (personally I think that is too much but I want to give myself some room). For me, I feel guilty if I cross the 1 month block. I read projects in the order the projects arrive. The ONLY time I ever push a project to the top of the list is if it is truly an established author from an established publishing house with a serious rush order.

If you do receive an offer from someone else, please do let that editor or agent know. I always recommend taking that offer. You have something that (if I have not gotten to your story, I cannot promise yet). Take it! You are not going to hurt my feelings. I am cheering you on. Not only that, it is one thing I can take off of my "TO DO LIST!" I note that in my records and should things change in the future, you are still on my "good list."

Just something to think about!!!!!