I pitched the same idea to two places, both liked it. What do I do?

April 2, 2019 8:32 AM

I pitched an idea to a large international online magazine and I didn't hear back for a while so I pitched the same idea to a small but equally prestigious print magazine. I don't normally pitch to two places at the same time, but I wasn't sure if my pitch to the first place had been lost. Anyway: publication is almost guaranteed in Magazine #1; Magazine #2 is interested but said they will "consider" my article for their print version. Oddly, they both replied within a minute of each other yesterday (my luck!). Could I email Magazine #2 back to say thanks and check if they'd consider a different pitch? The pitch is for a literary review (so I could suggest another book to Magazine #2)
posted by dostoevskygirl to Media & Arts (5 answers total)

Response by poster: *lost in the editor's inbox.
posted by dostoevskygirl at 8:35 AM on April 2, 2019

Best answer: Go with the one giving you the guarantee. Multiple pitching isn't uncommon, and sometimes things do get snapped up while under consideration elsewhere, so you can comfortably ask if #2 can consider another piece.
posted by Miko at 8:51 AM on April 2, 2019 [11 favorites]

Best answer: I'm not sure if I misunderstood but sounds like both liked it but only one made an offer? If so, go with the offer you have. If #2 is offering online (as a sure thing) and possibly print then yeah I'd ask to either amend it or explain that #1 got there first (in some polite way). Pitching to multiple places does happen. If there's a way you could write two articles on the same topic but in a different way, consider that approach, just make sure you let the places know what you're up to.
posted by jessamyn at 1:18 PM on April 2, 2019 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Yes, one made an offer and the other is happy to consider it. Thanks for your reply!
posted by dostoevskygirl at 5:11 PM on April 2, 2019

You don't have an agreement until it's signed. I wouldn't slam any doors before you get something signed.
posted by OnTheLastCastle at 7:36 AM on April 3, 2019