Hi everyone, new to the forum! I've a question regarding etiquette when dealing with publishers. I've submitted a book proposal with a small print publisher, which comprised the written proposal itself along with page mockups. It's for a coffee book style genre, which would draw on my background as an artist and my experience working with computers. It's something I've been researching for many years and finally got round to putting a serious proposal together for submission. The publisher got back to me with considerable interest in the proposal, together with understandable questions on how the book could be produced. This exchange of contact, written and spoken, has been ongoing for nearly 4 weeks now. During this time it seems reasonably clear to me that the publisher is very interested in the proposal but is seeking to ensure that they would be able to publish it given production and financial constraints, which as I say, is totally understandable. However during these exchanges there's been fairly long gaps in replies on the publisher's side along with a general reluctance to discuss contract possibilities, financial offers etc. From my side, I'm beginning to feel as though I'm letting a lot of time slip away and as that happens, I'm getting more unsure and vulnerable in my position. Perhaps my lack of confidence in myself is partly at play here but I also feel like some people would be telling me to be more assertive and proactive somehow. Perhaps for instance, I should have sent my proposal to several publishers in the first place? Or I should be asking for some sort of timeline for a decision? I feel a little stuck currently as I don't know if it's 'right' that I should contact other publishers currently. Would I just be opening up a can of worms involving others, if of course I'm lucky and they like the proposal too? Apologies for the rather long question! Really, I'm just looking for some good advice on how I should proceed and handle the situation. So that I treat others fairly without putting myself down and not doing what's good for me. Perhaps this is all very normal and I should just see how things go with this publisher? Any help would be much appreciated.
At the proposal stage, I would certainly submit to multiple publishers. Having an exclusive right or first right has value. At the proposal stage there is no reason to give that to a publisher unless you’ve negotiated a contract to provide for it. Having a proposal in front of multiple publishers at one time is not unusual. However, if you do decide to shop the proposal around, each of the publishers should be made aware that the proposal is under consideration by others.
@Steerpike Thanks for the reply. If I do send the proposal to others, do you think I should notify the publisher I'm conversing with currently that I'm doing that? I don't know if there's an accepted etiquette for carrying out these sort of discussions. During my first voice call with the publisher they brought up if I'd approached other publishers, to which I replied no. Perhaps that was foolish.
That’s a good question and I think it’s a bit more of a touchy situation. Since you told them ‘no’ previously, they may get the impression that you are frustrated or losing interest in them if you’ve now changed your mind and are approaching others. On the other hand, at some point you will have little choice but to approach others if this publisher keeps dragging their feet—you can’t let them tie up with the work indefinitely and they can’t expect you to. Maybe a polite message stating that you’re a bit concerned about the time that has elapsed and that you’d like something more concrete from them (and answers to your questions) or you’ll have to send the proposal out to other publishers to consider simultaneously. Of course, there’s a risk they’ll say ‘no thanks’ but if you’re not seeing much progress that may well be an acceptable risk.
@Steerpike Great, thanks for that. Yes it's a tricky situation. I think I'll hold off for a week or so longer and see how things go. If there's no movement by then I'll let them know that I really need to see some concrete progress. As you say, I can't wait indefinitely and equally they can't expect me to either. It's on the last point though that I find many people don't concern themselves with, people just don't consider others nowadays!
In general, I agree with the above ... up to "or you’ll have to send the proposal out to other publishers to consider simultaneously." As Steerpike notes, that may cause them to simply bail out. That's an "or else!" ultimatum, and my opinion is that ultimatums should be avoided unless and until you are ready to blast off and nuke them from orbit. You haven't said (or, if you did, I've managed to overlook it) whether or not that have made any sort of proposal or offer to you, or if they are just asking questions and raising hypothetical issues. I think I might start with just the first half of Steerpike's suggestion: a polite message stating that you’re a bit concerned about the time that has elapsed and that you’d like something more concrete from them. If that doesn't generate a useful response, you can follow up with an explanation that you invested considerable time and effort into creating the book, that your time has value, and that if they are not interested in proceeding you feel that it's only fair to inform them that you are exercising your right to explore other avenues rather than tie up the book for an indeterminate time with no visible indications of approaching a contract.
Thanks for the reply @SapereAude The most I've had is that they are 'potentially' willing to offer me a publishing contract. I'm happy to take them at their word for another week or so and if there's still no movement then do as you say, just make it clear that I'd like some concrete information soon.
