How long before pitching the same idea elsewhere?

[BobSacamano]

Hey folks,

So I have a decent relationship with the editor at a magazine where I freelance, but I feel like one of the story ideas I pitched is stalling. He liked the idea and wanted to run it by one of his colleagues who's in charge of the section that normally covers the topic I pitched, but it hasn't happened yet.

Now, I'm making contact with a niche magazine that specializes in my proposed story, and I'd like to lay my idea down on the table. I'm sure they'll go for it, especially since I can already get the kind of access needed to write a strong piece.

Basically, I don't want the first magazine to come back to me in two weeks and say, "Hey, we're ready to run this. What can you get?" and I tell them, "Oh, I took it elsewhere."

Is that standard in the industry, or would I be burning a (really nice) bridge?

Thanks in advance.

 

[SixToe]

I've been in your situation, also with a decent relationship with the editor.

So I just called and asked what the status was on his decision because I had another possibility and needed to know. Said I wasn't pressuring him to accept, but wondered if they had a decision or idea about when.

If you know the editor well enough then call or email to inquire.

 

[BobSacamano]

Thanks, SixToe. I'm sure one more follow-up won't come off as me pestering him about the topic. There are rumblings about a re-design, so I know every department is a little too preoccupied to give deep thought to every pitch, but I want to get it done while the story is still timely.

 

[anotherbucket4monsieur]

This is an issue I’ve faced myself, so I hope we get some additional responses here. Waiting for editors to respond to pitches can be maddening. I recently had a publication express interest in a story I pitched, but then the editor dragged his feet on it and ultimately passed. Now the story is considered old news and I haven’t been able to publish it elsewhere. I’d like to hear from editors on what they think proper pitch & follow-up protocol is.

 

[BobSacamano]

I think I've crossed the point where I can rightfully hit 'send' on that proposal sitting in my drafts folder. Hopefully there's no backlash if they decide they're ready to run it in a week or two. I'll just have to man up about it.

 

[Clerk Typist]

Do him the favor of letting him know and you'll do yourself the favor of not losing an outlet for something else down the line.