I’m a writer blog

Guidelines for writing Poems, Stories and Tales

Can different publishers publish books taking place in the same story universe?

Asked by: Christopher Barragan

You can’t.

Can you submit the same story to multiple publishers?

Yes, it’s common practice to submit a story or poem to multiple publishers at the same time, provided their guidelines indicate they accept simultaneous submissions.

Can different publishers publish the same book?

You can submit a book manuscript simultaneously to several different publishers.” Probably this applies to the book proposals as well. Usually it’s to only one publisher, as the book publication involves both time & effort from the publishers side as well.

Can authors publish in different genres?

authors expand to new and different genres, but they are exceptions. For the average author it is usually advisable to use different pseudonyms for different genres. Even J. K. Rowling chose to continue publishing her crime fiction under another name so as not to confuse the audience and water down her brand.

Should I submit my book to multiple publishers?

Most publishers are fine with simultaneous submissions and understand that it could otherwise take years for a manuscript to be accepted. What’s important is to read the publisher’s guidelines before submitting (they should say if they require exclusive submissions) and to be up front about it.

What does simultaneous submission mean?

Simultaneous submission refers to the “practice of submitting the same manuscript to two or more journals at the same time1 without informing the journal editor that the manuscript has been submitted elsewhere. It has also been termed multiple submissions or dual submission.

What does accept simultaneous submissions?

Simultaneous submissions are submissions that are made simultaneously to more than one agency or publisher. For instance, you may have a query letter for a novel and want to pitch more than one agent at the same time. Once you query multiple agents without receiving a response yet, you’re simultaneously submitting.

What if a book has two publishers?

If a book includes multiple publishers on its copyright page, place the publisher names in the order they are shown on the work (see Chapter 10, Example 24, in the Publication Manual).

Does it matter who publishes your book?

Do I need a publisher for my book? If you’ve written a book, you can choose to self-publish or get it published by a traditional publishing house. Because you have these two options, you don’t necessarily need a publisher for your book.

Can you submit to multiple literary agents?

The quick answer is, “Yes.” In fact, many literary agents expect writers to query multiple agents at once. Unless they specifically state they prefer writers avoid simultaneous submissions. Or if an agent requests (and you grant) an exclusive look at your submission at a writing conference.

How many chapters do you send to a publisher?

Most publishers want to see up to the first three chapters of your book. Others will want to read a certain number of pages. I like to prepare several versions of these sample chapter requirements, all double-spaced and in their own separate documents ready to submit depending on the publisher’s guidelines.

What to do before sending a manuscript to a publisher?

How to Submit a Manuscript to a Publisher In 5 Simple Steps



  1. Do your research on agents and publishers. …
  2. Develop a plan to track manuscript submissions. …
  3. Create a shortlist to submit your book to. …
  4. Write personalized queries based on website guidelines. …
  5. Submit your manuscript.

Can a publisher steal your manuscript?

It is rare for a manuscript to be stolen by a publisher, but it is not rare for people to steal your work online. If you publish your work on the web there is a very real chance that someone might decide to take your work. Usually this will consist someone republishing a story or a poem in their name.

Who is the best publisher for first time authors?

15 (or so) Fabulous Publishers For Debut Authors

  1. Avon Impulse. Avon is looking for big, high concept historical and contemporary romances. …
  2. Baen Books. …
  3. Black & White Publishing. …
  4. Coffee House Press. …
  5. Chicago Review Press. …
  6. Chronicle Books. …
  7. DAW. …
  8. Entangled Publishing.

What do literary agents hate?

What Literary Agents Hate Most

  • PROLOGUES! “Most agents hate prologues. …
  • EXCESSIVE DESCRIPTION! “I dislike endless ‘laundry list’ character descriptions. …
  • MUDDLED VOICE AND POINT OF VIEW! “A pet peeve of mine is ragged, fuzzy point of view. …
  • NO ACTION! …
  • CLICHÉS AND FALSE BEGINNINGS! …
  • PILED-ON CHARACTERS AND BACKSTORY!



Do agents like prologues?

Literary agents looking to represent another best-selling author generally don’t like prologues. One reason is that they’ve read a lot of them.

Do publishers like prologues?

As many of you know, book publishing industry professionals and readers alike have openly expressed their dislike of prologues. Let’s lay a quick foundation: Prologues aren’t inherently evil or indicative of poor writing. Prologues can—and have been—executed with skill.