December 2003

Should I Send Simultaneous Submissions?

I have a multicultural picture book manuscript ready to submit. I have done some market research and found at least four publishers that are appropriate for my manuscript and they accept simultaneous submissions. According to Writersmarket.com they also take between one and six months to respond to manuscripts. Should I go ahead and send simultaneous submissions? Will the publishers care as much about a simultaneous submission as an exclusive? What happens if more than one publisher accepts the manuscript? In that case, would rejecting a publisher's offer ruin my chances with that publisher in the future?

The truth is many editorial departments are taking an average of 6-12 months to respond to submissions. Writers have no choice but to send simultaneous submissions, otherwise we'd die of old age before we'd see our books published. Recently, I received a personal rejection from an editor who had considered my YA manuscript for 2 years! Most publishers, such as Charlesbridge, specify in their guidelines whether they expect exclusive submissions. If the publisher's guidelines say they will accept simultaneous submissions, you should do so. Publishers receive hundreds of unsolicited manuscripts each year and don't really have the time to discriminate between simultaneous or exclusive submissions. If a publisher has requested your manuscript based on a query and synopsis, then your manuscript will receive higher priority than other unsolicited manuscripts.

The chance of two publishers accepting your manuscript is slim to none. Manuscript selection is a matter of timing, and differs from one publishing house to another. However if you do receive two offers, then you should choose the better offer. Editors change jobs often enough that the editor who might feel slighted would no longer be with that publishing house in a year or two.

Remember that writing is also a business. Writers have the right to expect an income and a timely response to their submissions, especially solicited submissions. I see it like this: When an editor looks at an author's submission, she is also looking at submissions from several other authors. Authors can't expect the editors to look exclusively at their work; therefore editors shouldn't expect exclusivity from authors unless they specifically request it.

Can I Submit Two Picture Book Manuscripts To The Same Publisher?

I have written two picture books. Can I submit both manuscripts to the same publisher? Should I send both in the same envelope or should I send them in two separate envelopes? Or is it better if I send the second manuscript once I've received a response for my first one?

According to The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books by Harold Underdown and Lynne Rominger, you should send one manuscript at a time to a publisher. It's considered unprofessional to send more than one manuscript per submission, unless an editor specifically requests it. Editors tend to feel bombarded even if the writer sends more than one manuscript in separate envelopes. If the publisher rejects your first manuscript, you can still send the second manuscript.

Aside from professionalism, you want your manuscript to stand out in the editor's hands. If you send more than one manuscript, you dilute the strength of each individual manuscript. The editor will be thinking more about you the writer, instead of your story.

How Should I Submit A Synopsis For My Series?

I have just completed a set of 10 children's books concerning how, why, and when children should take their medicine. I am in desperate need of help, advice, and guidance. How should I submit my synopsis to publishers?

My article, The Elephant in the Room: Marketing Your Children's Manuscript contains helpful information about how to get started marketing your manuscript. The first question you need to answer is: where will my books be sold? From your description, your books are geared toward a specialty market -- children's health. Children's medications are prescribed by pediatricians; therefore consider visiting some local pediatricians' offices. Look at the children's books in the waiting room, especially the ones geared toward children's health. Make a note of the publisher(s). Ask the receptionist if anyone in the office would like to look at one of your manuscripts. Often people in the medical field have information about publishers who specialize in specific subjects, such as children's health. You might also consider contacting pharmaceutical companies, since they might be interested in publishing your books to promote a specific medicine.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books by Harold Underdown and Lynne Rominger, contains an excellent chapter on children's book series, "Keep 'em Rolling: Series" which you'll find helpful. In fact, this book is a great reference "bible" for all children's book writers. Also, be sure to get your hands on the new Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market for an updated list of specialty markets, and who's buying what.

For more information:

Charlesbridge submission guidelines

http://www.charlesbridge.com/submiss.htm

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