posted
I sent a query a tad prematurely. I found after sending that a few things weren't quite right. Nothing horrendously major, but I did add a new chapter to the work. Unfortunately, that was Chapter 1.
Question: Do I send the updated piece to the publisher with a suitably humble request to take the later version to evaluate.
OR Withdraw the original and resend later
OR let it ride, since the synopsis is pretty much the same and I can update with the new version later if they like what they have?
So far, I've never done a simultaneous submission since I'm not sure how I'd handle it if I got two acceptances. Probably die of a heart attack.
A book is different from a story in that regard, I suppose. This is the first book I've shopped. I'm not going for agents right now. I'm just trying to get a small press or ebook first.
posted
It's customary to send queries to a gazillion agents at a time, but don't do that to publishers - one at a time for publishers. If two agents say yes, then you just pick the one that will be the best for you, and presto.
I believe Miss Snark has answered the question about what to do if you change the text after submission, and said it was a big pain to dig your original out of the slush pile, so advised against it. You can probably find the answer in the Snarkives on her site.
posted
Beth: Thanks for that answer. I have been digging through the Snarkives for an answer. Unfortunately, Miss Snark's clever headings don't always make it easy to find stuff.
It make sense, but I wonder if it holds true for emailed submissions. Paper: hard to find, Email: sort by name, easy to find.
I suppose if the publisher evinces an interest based on the summary and first chapter (although that will be chapter 2), then I can say "oh, by the way..."
posted
There's always the possibility that the editor will say "I'd be interested if you'd add another chapter at the beginning."
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posted
I second the recommendation to leave it as is and chalk it up to a learning experience.
I've also heard editors and agents gripe about having to make changes to submitted queries; anything that makes extra work for them is not going to put them in a good mood when they read your submission.
But, I do have another question: why only submit to small press and e-book publishers? Do you have no confidence in your work? The reason I ask is that if you are passionate about your story, don't just assume no one else will be until you start getting proof. Send to agents first, really, that way you can multi-query and find out if your writing is anywhere near ready for big time.
For example, if you get lots of form responses and no requests for fulls or partials, then you know that you are probably not quite up to the big publishing house standards. But let's say you get positive comments, and/or requests for partials/fulls. That's a big deal and means you have promise. Why not try for the big advance and better distribution before going small?
Unless you dislike the publishing industry in general and/or are only looking for a small audience. Be very sure that you know your reasons, and that low self-esteem isn't one of them, before going straight to small press/e-books.
posted
I once sent a revised story back to a market, the revisions based on comments made in a rejection but without any request to see it again. I told them I'd revised it in a cover letter, acknowledging they hadn't asked to see it again but I was sending it in anyway. I got back a scribbled note on a form letter saying "no revisions."
I'd wait until it comes back [assuming it comes back] and then revise it and send it out again. If you revise and send it to that particular publisher again, unless they actually asked to see it again, don't mention it to them. And also wait an appropriate amount of time, like a year or so, before springing it on them again. (Try other markets.)
posted
An update: Being a contrary soul, I sent an inquiry to the publisher and asked which of three options I should take:
1. Withdraw the ms and submit later. 2. Send a replacement ms with their permission. 3. Slink away with my tail between my legs.
The publisher responded in one day and told me to take option 2 and note that it was a replacement.
So, they're not ogres after all.
I think all of you gave me good advice if I were dealing with a major house, but small publishers tend to be more forgiving. That's not saying I won't get a rejection in 3-4 months.
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