The traditional publishing world often feels like a game of telephone where the rules are hidden and the stakes are high. One of the most confusing rules for emerging writers centers around a single phrase: simultaneous submissions.

You might have noticed that our submission guidelines contain a specific line under what we do NOT accept: “Simultaneous submissions to multiple publishers without disclosure.”

Many writers read this and panic. They worry it means we demand exclusive access to their manuscript for months on end while they wait in limbo.

We don’t. We fully support you querying other presses while you query us. We just ask for transparency. Here is a look behind our editorial curtain at why disclosure matters, how it protects your writing career, and exactly what it looks like in practice.

The Myth of the Jealous Publisher

There is an old, outdated industry myth that if you tell a publisher other people are reading your book, they will reject you out of spite.

The reality is the exact opposite. Independent publishing is a small, collaborative ecosystem run by tight-knit teams. Our editorial board reads every single page that comes through our inbox. When we come across a manuscript that fits our catalog, we don’t just skim it—we discuss it, pass it around, and start building a vision for its publication.

That process takes time and emotional energy. If we fall in love with a book, spend hours analyzing its potential, and reach out to offer a contract only to hear, “Oh, I actually signed with someone else three weeks ago,” it hurts our ability to discover other writers.

Disclosing your simultaneous submission status isn’t about giving us permission to be jealous. It is about helping us manage our reading schedule so we can give every manuscript the attention it deserves.

How to Say It (Without Being Weird About It)

You do not need to overthink this, and you definitely do not need to give us a list of every press you have emailed. A single, polite sentence at the end of your cover letter or query is all it takes.

Here are three simple ways to frame it, depending on your situation:

• The Standard Note: “Please note that this is a simultaneous submission. I will notify Crimson Crow Press immediately should the manuscript be accepted elsewhere.”
• The Active Search: “This manuscript is currently under consideration with a select number of independent publishers. I will keep you updated on its status.”
• The Multi-Agent Approach: “This project is being submitted simultaneously to both literary agents and independent presses. I remain highly interested in working with Crimson Crow Press and will share any updates promptly.”

That is it. It takes five seconds to type, but it signals to our team that you are a professional who respects our time and the industry ecosystem.

What Happens If You Get an Offer?

First of all, celebrate! Getting an offer of publication or representation is a massive milestone.

Once the initial excitement settles, your very next step should be opening your email sent folder. Send a brief, professional note to every other press currently reading your work—including us.

• The Update Template: “Dear Crimson Crow Press Editorial Team, I am writing to let you know that I have received an offer of publication for my manuscript, [Book Title]. Because I remain deeply interested in your catalog, I wanted to check in on the status of my submission before making a final decision. I plan to make my decision by [Date, usually 1 to 2 weeks out]. Thank you for your time and consideration.”

This note does two things: it shows incredible professional courtesy, and it actually acts as a catalyst. If we were already leaning toward your book, a nudge like this can prompt us to fast-track our reading to see if we can make a competitive offer.

Transparency isn’t a trap; it is a bridge. By being open about your submission journey, you build a relationship based on mutual respect before we ever sign a contract.