Demanding, and Ignoring, No Sim-Subs

On Tuesday, I wrote about what I thought of magazines keeping a "no simultaneous submissions" rule even when responses times are greater than six months.  Magazines are VERY hectic places, no one is saying they aren't.  And, I understand some authors DON'T tell places immediately when their submissions are accepted and it creates problems.  Still, prompt authors shouldn't suffer because of forgetful ones.  

For Editors:

1.  Respond in a timely manner (nothing beyond three months).

2.  Use a system that acknowledges submissions so authors know their submissions are safe.

3.  When authors withdraw work, have a form response on your system sent to them and don't respond personally unless it is on a happier note than your form.

4.  If a piece is going to be kept for review longer, LET AUTHORS KNOW

5.  Be professional!  Just because you are an editor, doesn't mean you have a pass on proper etiquette.

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For Authors:

1.  Always give submissions time and a half in responding (or at least extra time).

2.  Withdraw your stuff IMMEDIATELY if taken

3.  If you feel you have to sim-sub, be as polite as possible when withdrawing

4.  Use places that accept sim-subs in case you have to pull your submission out for one that doesn't accept them.

5.  Understand by not following guidelines, you can hurt your chances of seeing your work there

6.  Stagger submissions so the quicker places see your work first and you can kind of balance

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I am luckier than some as I have enough work out there to not have to use simultaneous submissions.  Heck, I can barely keep track of one story or set of poems going to just ONE place.  

Is there anything you'd like to add on this subject?  Is there something you don't agree with?  Leave me comments!