The path to publication is rarely a single, straight line. For most prolific writers, it’s a tapestry woven from multiple submissions, rejections, and acceptances across a range of projects. Mastering the art of submitting multiple manuscripts simultaneously, or in close succession, isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about maximizing your chances of publication, diversifying your creative output, and building a sustainable writing career. This isn’t a strategy for the faint of heart or the unorganized. It demands precision, a robust tracking system, and a deep understanding of industry nuances. This guide will dismantle the complexities, offering clear, actionable steps to navigate the multi-submission landscape like a seasoned professional.
The Strategic Foundation: Why Submit More Than One?
Before diving into the “how,” it’s crucial to understand the “why.” Submitting multiple manuscripts isn’t a sign of impatience; it’s a strategic imperative.
Mitigating Rejection Fatigue
Rejection is an undeniable part of a writer’s life. A single submission often translates to a lengthy waiting period, followed by a potential “no.” If your entire creative output hinges on that one manuscript, the emotional toll of rejection can be paralyzing. By having multiple projects in circulation, a rejection on one doesn’t derail your entire ambition. It becomes a data point, an opportunity for revision, while other opportunities continue to unfold.
- Example: Imagine you’ve poured your soul into a literary novel. You submit it to Agent A and wait six months. They reject it. If that was your only project, you’re back to square one, disheartened. If you simultaneously had a YA fantasy novel out with Agent B and a short story out with a literary magazine, the single rejection feels less crushing because other irons are still in the fire.
Maximizing Publication Momentum
The publishing industry moves slowly. Querying agents, receiving full manuscript requests, undergoing revisions, submitting to editors, navigating acquisitions – each step is a significant time investment. If you wait for one project to clear before starting the submission process for the next, you’ll find yourself with long periods of inactivity. Strategic multi-submission keeps your pipeline full, increasing the likelihood of securing representation or a publication deal within a reasonable timeframe.
- Example: You land an agent with your first manuscript. While they’re on submission to editors, you could be drafting your next novel, or, having already polished another completed project, you could be discussing it with your agent for a follow-up submission strategy. This proactive approach keeps your career progressing.
Diversifying Your Portfolio
Many writers aren’t confined to a single genre or format. Submitting multiple manuscripts allows you to showcase the breadth of your talent, whether you write across genres, for different age groups, or in varying lengths (novels, novellas, short stories, essays). This diversification can open more doors, appeal to a wider range of agents/editors, and establish you as a versatile author.
- Example: You have a gritty crime novel, a heartwarming middle-grade contemporary, and a collection of speculative short stories. Submitting all three to appropriate targets simultaneously demonstrates your range and prevents you from being pigeonholed. An agent might pass on your crime novel but be captivated by your middle-grade voice.
Pre-Submission Preparation: Laying the Groundwork
Before a single query or submission email goes out, meticulous preparation is non-negotiable. This stage is about organization, knowing your material inside and out, and understanding industry etiquette.
Manuscript Readiness: Polish to a Sheen
Every manuscript you submit must be finished and polished to perfection. “Finished” means it has gone through multiple drafts, received constructive feedback from critique partners or beta readers, and undergone thorough self-editing. “Polished” implies professional-level copyediting and proofreading. Submitting a manuscript that isn’t ready is a wasted opportunity and a potential black mark on your professional reputation.
- Actionable Step: For each manuscript, create a checklist:
- Developmental Edit (Structure, Plot, Characters)
- Line Edit (Prose Quality, Word Choice, Flow)
- Copy Edit (Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling, Consistency)
- Proofread (Catch remaining typos)
- Formatting (Industry standard: 12pt Times New Roman, double-spaced, 1-inch margins, page numbers, title page). Deviations are rare and only if explicitly stated by the recipient.
Understanding Your Targets: Agent vs. Editor (and Beyond)
The submission process differs significantly depending on what you’re submitting and to whom.
- Agent Submissions (Novels/Collections): For most novel-length works, you will query literary agents first. Agents act as gatekeepers and advocates, selling your manuscript to publishing houses. They typically represent you for all your works.
- Direct Editor Submissions (Anthologies, Specific Imprints, Small Presses): Some smaller presses accept unagented submissions. Anthologies often have open calls. Always verify the submission guidelines for each specific imprint or call.
- Magazine/Journal Submissions (Short Stories, Essays, Poetry): These usually involve direct submission to editors via platforms like Submittable or through email.
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Concrete Example: If you have a completed novel and a short story. The novel will (likely) go to agents. The short story will go to literary magazines. Do not query an agent with a short story, and do not submit a novel to a literary magazine unless they explicitly state they accept novels.
Crafting Bespoke Query Letters/Cover Letters
Each submission for each manuscript needs a unique and tailored query or cover letter. Never use a generic template. A strong query letter is a concise sales pitch for your novel, showcasing its hook, genre, comparable titles (comps), word count, and your relevant bio. A strong cover letter for a short story introduces the piece and highlights your publishing credits.
- Actionable Steps:
- Personalize: Research the agent/editor. Mention a specific book they represent, an interview they gave, or a genre they’ve expressed interest in. This shows you’ve done your homework.
- Hook: Start with a compelling first line that grabs attention.
- Synopsis (for novels): A tightly-written, captivating synopsis (250-300 words) that outlines the main plot, character arc, and stakes without giving away major spoilers but still conveying the story’s essence.
- Comps (for novels): Two or three recent (within 3-5 years) and commercially successful comparable titles. These aren’t books your novel is like, but books that share a similar target audience or thematic resonance. Example: “My novel has the emotional depth of Celeste Ng’s *Little Fires Everywhere meets the speculative intrigue of Blake Crouch’s Recursion.”*
- Word Count: State the exact word count.
- Bio: A brief, professional bio highlighting any relevant writing experience, publications, or credentials.
- Call to Action: Politely state you’ve attached/pasted the requested materials (e.g., query, synopsis, first five pages).
- Avoid: Generic flattery (“I love great books!”), lengthy personal anecdotes, telling them how much money your book will make, or making outlandish claims.
The Submission Workflow: Managing the Pipeline
This is where multi-submission becomes an organizational challenge and where a robust system is paramount.
The Tracking System: Your Submission Command Center
A detailed, reliable, and easily accessible tracking system is the single most important tool for managing multiple submissions. Relying on memory or scattered notes is a recipe for disaster.
- Recommended Tools:
- Spreadsheet (Google Sheets/Excel): Most popular choice due to its flexibility.
- Dedicated Submission Tracking Software: (e.g., Duotrope for short stories/poetry, although it requires a subscription).
- Personal CRM/Database: For highly advanced users.
- Essential Columns for Your Spreadsheet:
- Manuscript Title: (e.g., The Chronos Key, Whispers in the Willow).
- Submission Target: (Agent Name, Agency, Magazine Name, Editor Name, Press).
- Submission Type: (Query, Full Request, Partial Request, Short Story, Essay).
- Date Submitted: (e.g., 2023-10-26).
- Status: (Queried, Partial Submitted, Full Submitted, Rejected, Accepted, Withdrawn, No Response – NR, Revise & Resubmit – R&R).
- Expected Response Time: (Based on stated guidelines or industry average).
- Follow-Up Date: (If applicable, based on guidelines).
- Response Date: (e.g., 2024-01-15).
- Response Type: (Form Rejection, Personalized Rejection, Offer, R&R).
- Notes/Comments: (Why they passed, encouraging words, next steps, specific feedback).
- Attachments Sent: (e.g., Query, Synopsis, Chapter 1, First 50 pages, Full MS).
- Submission Method: (Email, Online Form, Submittable).
- Example Row in Spreadsheet:
| Manuscript Title | Submission Target | Submission Type | Date Submitted | Status | Expected Response | Follow-Up Date | Response Date | Response Type | Notes | Attachments Sent | Submission Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Chronos Key | Penelope Sterling | Query | 2023-10-26 | Queried | 8-12 weeks | 2024-01-26 | Query via agency form, confirmed receipt. | Query, Synopsis, 10pgs | Online Form | ||
| Whispers in Willow | Lit Mag Quarterly | Short Story | 2023-11-01 | Accepted | 2-4 weeks | 2023-12-05 | Accepted | Payment $50, Pub date Q3 2024. | Full MS | Submittable | |
| The Chronos Key | Apex Agency | Full Submitted | 2023-12-01 | Full Submitted | 4-6 weeks | 2024-01-15 | Follow-up to partial request. | Full MS | |||
| Vagabond Heart | Agent Z. Morales | Query | 2023-11-15 | Rejected | 6-8 weeks | 2023-12-20 | Form Rejection | “Not a good fit for our list.” | Query, Synopsis, 5pgs |
Adhering to Submission Guidelines: Non-Negotiable
Every agent, editor, or literary journal has specific submission guidelines. These are rules, not suggestions. Failure to follow them is an immediate disqualifier. This is especially true when juggling multiple submissions to various entities.
- Key things to double-check for each submission:
- Open/Closed Status: Is the agent/journal currently open to submissions?
- Specific Genre/Length Preferences: Do they accept your genre/word count?
- Submission Method: Email? Online form? Submittable? Physical mail?
- Required Materials: Query, synopsis, first page, first chapter, first 50 pages, full manuscript?
- Formatting: Specific font, spacing, file type (e.g., .doc, .docx, .pdf)?
- Subject Line: Do they require a specific subject line format? (e.g., “Query: [Title] – [Genre]”).
- Exclusivity: Do they require exclusive submissions (more on this below)?
Navigating Simultaneous Submissions: The Etiquette
“Simultaneous submission” means sending the same manuscript to multiple agents/editors at the same time. This is largely accepted and even encouraged in the current publishing climate, with crucial caveats.
- Novels to Agents: Generally, simultaneous querying of the same novel to multiple agents is accepted and is the industry standard.
- Novels to Editors (Unagented): If submitting directly to presses that accept unagented work, always check their guidelines. Some smaller presses still prefer or require exclusive submissions.
- Short Stories/Essays to Journals/Anthologies: Simultaneous submission is common, but always state at the top of your cover letter/submission notes that it’s a simultaneous submission.
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The Golden Rule: If you receive an offer of representation or publication on a piece that is simultaneously submitted, immediately withdraw that manuscript from all other targets. This is non-negotiable professional courtesy.
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Example Scenario: You’ve queried Agent A, Agent B, and Agent C with The Chronos Key. Two weeks later, Agent B requests the full manuscript. You send it. Three weeks after that, Agent A requests the full. You send it. Then, Agent B calls to offer representation. Immediately, before accepting Agent B’s offer, you email Agent A and Agent C: “Thank you for your time and consideration. I’m writing to withdraw my manuscript, The Chronos Key, from your consideration as I’ve received an offer of representation.”
The “No Response” Protocol
Many agents and editors operate on a “no response means no” policy. This means if you don’t hear back by a certain date (which they usually specify), you can assume they’ve passed.
- Actionable Step: Record the “expected response time” in your tracking sheet. Once that window closes, update the status to “NR” (No Response) and move on. Do not follow up unless they explicitly invite follow-ups or if a significant amount of time has passed (e.g., 6+ months for a full manuscript request).
Post-Submission Management: Staying Sane and Productive
The submission process can be a waiting game, but that doesn’t mean you sit idle.
Managing Expectations & Patience
The publishing timeline is measured in months, not days or weeks. For novels, expect a query process of 3-12 months, and if you land an agent, the submission to publishers can take another 6-18 months. Short stories typically have quicker turnaround times, but even those can be several months.
- Avoid: Checking your email every five minutes. Obsessing over your submission status. Comparing your timeline to other writers’ successes (everyone’s journey is unique).
- Embrace: The long game. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
The Art of the Follow-Up (and When Not To)
Follow-up strategically and sparingly.
- When to Follow Up:
- After a Full Manuscript Request: If an agent has had your full manuscript for significantly longer than their stated response time (e.g., they say 6-8 weeks, and it’s been 12). A polite, concise email is acceptable.
- When You Have an Offer: This is the most crucial time to follow up. If you receive an offer of representation or publication, immediately notify all other agents/editors who have your manuscript. Give them a polite deadline (e.g., “I’ve received an offer of representation, and the other party would like a response by [Date, usually 1-2 weeks from now].”). This can expedite responses from other interested parties.
- Specific Guidelines: If the submission guidelines explicitly state a follow-up is welcome after a certain period.
- When Not to Follow Up:
- Query Letters (Unless Invited): Most agents operate on a “no response means no” policy for queries. A follow-up outside of an offer situation is generally unwelcome.
- Short Story Submissions: Unless an offer is on the table, assume “no response means no” or patiently wait for a longer period.
- Example Follow-Up Email (for a full manuscript requested, no offer yet):
Subject: Follow Up: Full Manuscript Request – [Manuscript Title]
Dear [Agent Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I’m writing to politely follow up on the full manuscript for [Manuscript Title] that I sent on [Date Sent], which you requested on [Date Requested].
Please let me know if you require any further information from my end.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Continuous Creation: The Best Defense Against Waiting
The most effective strategy for managing the emotional roller coaster of submissions is to always be working on your next project. This shifts your focus from anxieties about the current submissions to the excitement of new creative endeavors.
- Actionable Step: Once a manuscript is out the door, dedicate time to brainstorming, outlining, drafting, or revising your next book. This maintains creative momentum and prevents waiting from becoming a void.
Advanced Strategies for the Prolific Writer
Once you’ve mastered the basics, consider these advanced tactics.
Strategic Manuscript Sequencing
While simultaneous submission is key, there can be a strategic order to what you submit first.
- Strongest First: If you have one manuscript you believe is your strongest, most commercially viable, or most representative of your voice, consider leading with that. A successful first book can pave the way for subsequent projects.
- Genre Concentration (initially): If you write across many genres, you might focus your initial agent search on agents who specialize in your strongest or most market-friendly genre. Once you have an agent, you can discuss expanding into other genres.
- Series Considerations: If you’re writing a series, you typically query agents with the first book. However, it’s generally advisable to have the second book outlined (or even partially drafted) and a strong concept for the entire series. Agents want to see long-term potential.
Leveraging Short Story Success
For many aspiring novelists, publishing short stories or essays in reputable literary journals or anthologies can strengthen your author bio significantly. This demonstrates your ability to finish and polish work, meet deadlines, and find an audience.
- Actionable Step: Build a list of literary journals (both paying and non-paying, depending on your goals) and regularly submit your short-form work. Track these meticulously. These credits become valuable additions to your query letters for novels.
Understanding Agent “Lists” and Genre Focus
Agents often have specific “wish lists” or established niches. Submitting a fantasy novel to an agent who only represents literary fiction or thrillers is a waste of your time and theirs.
- Deep Research: Beyond just checking their agency’s website, look at their personal MSWL (Manuscript Wish List) entries, interviews, agent profiles (e.g., Publisher’s Marketplace – though this is a paid subscription), and Twitter feeds. See what books they’ve recently acquired or praised. This targeted approach is crucial.
Dealing with Revisions & Resubmissions (R&R)
Occasionally, an agent or editor might not offer representation outright but suggest significant revisions. This is an R&R request, and it’s a huge compliment.
- Evaluate: Carefully assess the feedback. Is it constructive? Do you agree with it? Are you willing and able to make the suggested changes?
- Prioritize: If you decide to pursue an R&R, pause other submissions for that specific manuscript and dedicate your focus to the revisions.
- Resubmit: Once revised, send it back to the agent/editor who requested the R&R, noting in your cover letter that it’s a resubmission based on their feedback. Then, consider if you want to resubmit that specific version to other agents or if it needs further work beyond their suggestions.
Conclusion: Orchestrating Your Writing Career
Submitting multiple manuscripts is more than a tactic; it’s a mindset. It’s about building resilience against rejection, optimizing your time, and strategically positioning yourself for a sustainable writing career. It demands meticulous organization, professional conduct, and the unwavering belief in your diverse creative output. By mastering the art of the multi-submission, you transform the daunting publishing landscape into a navigable terrain, increasing your chances of finding the right home for your stories and building a robust authorial platform. Your words deserve to be read, and this methodical approach provides the best chance for them to reach their audience.