You Ask, We Answer: Should I follow up on this query?
Stephanie asks: I sent out a simultaneous query to six new-to-me editors last week. (One editor actually called me and said she liked my query, but had something similar planned for a future issue, and to feel free to pitch her more ideas — yippee!) Another editor emailed me back and asked me to flesh out my idea a bit more with examples and send it back to her so she can pitch it at her next editorial meeting. Of course, I’ll do what she’s asking, but while she is pitching my idea at her editorial meeting, can I follow up with the other magazines I sent this pitch to? It feels weird to be following up with the other publications when I’ve got one editor who’s already interested. On the other hand, if things don’t work out with this editor, I don’t want to have NOT followed up with the other pubs! What’s the best course of action in this situation?
I would still follow up with the others. I know from long experience that even if an editor loves your idea, and even if she requests a fleshed-out pitch, it still has to work its way up the editorial ladder, be talked about in editorial meetings, and serve as a coaster for the editor’s frappuccino for several weeks. In other words, it can still take ages to hear back. In fact, it’s not unheard of that you will have to follow up several times, and that you will be baffled that an editor who was so hot on your idea is not replying to your increasingly desperate e-mails and phone calls.
I’m not trying to bring you down — the fact that an editor is interested enough to request a more fleshed-out pitch is great news, and makes it more likely that you’ll land an assignment. I’m just saying that you shouldn’t place all your bets on this one editor…keep shopping your query around. You’ve never worked with this editor, and you don’t owe her an exclusive just because she expressed an interest in it.
<>Let us know what happens!
Got a question for the Renegade Writers? Send it to us at questions [at] therenegadewriter [dot] com. [lf]
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Jun 15, 2007 Advice, Editors, You Ask, We Answer
I know how you feel! Just recently I had the same problem. Had a reference to an editor. Liked the idea and wanted more fleshed-out proposal. Did so and still didn’t hear back.
Ultimately rejected….keep pitching!
Hey, thanks for giving Stephanie such great advice – it helped me, too. I often feel strange about sending out multiple simultaneous queries, but now not so much so.
Ok, the fleshed out query is signed, sealed and delivered to interested editor #1. I’ll keep following up with editors #2 – #5 and keep my fingers crossed. Thanks!
I say, let’s start a revolution and give them about as much consideration as they give us. That is, multiple simultaneous competing queries and proposals and submissions is the only way to survive these days. If you get more than one editor wanting you, then you get to be in the position of turning someone down. Imagine that refreshing reality, a writer saying, “It’s just not right for me to go with your publication.” Or maybe I’m cynical and tired…I guess the name of my blog says it all: Literary Rejections on Display (www.literaryrejectionsondisplay.blogspot.com) I’m naming names! Hope you’ll check it out and good luck to you, Stephanie!
Oh. My. God.
Love the blog, WR!! You are *so* bookmarked. I almost peed myself when I read that blurb rejection from Rose Ellen Brown.
How can I send in my own rejections???
HGF: Would love to have your rejections. Send to writerrejected@aol.com. Or post as a comment, if you’d rather just retell in detail. Thanks for bookmarking….WR