First refusal on manuscript

[escapehatchneeded]

I wrote a novel - domestic noir set in London - and it was shortlisted for a prize. Didn't win but I have since agreed to revise and resubmit to the publisher who held the prize.

Since then I have also been approached by two other publishers - one has read it and wants me to resubmit with her suggestions for a new imprint launching in 2020, the other simply wants me to send it to them.

The original publisher has asked for first refusal on the manuscript and for me to not make any submissionsin the meantime. So I agreed to that but had already sent it to the other publisher, which I told the original publisher.

I have also since told the second one that the first one wants first refusal. So have been honest with everyone and won't send it anywhere else but am frankly a bit out of my depth.

Does anyone who has published a book or has an agent have any advice? Obviously this is all very exciting and follows years of rejection for an earlier novel I wrote, but i don't want to mess this up!

Thanks

It sounds like you need an agent OP.

Thanks Aja & sorry for the delayed response. Yes I probably do need an agent. Have written to a fair few in the past so might dig out all my old rejections and see who was the most encouraging last time!

The second publisher has come back saying they will leave it for now as they don't want to tread on any ties with the first one, but to let me know what happens.

Thanks again. If you know of any great agents please let me know

Ps that gin bottle was meant to be flowers btw