In journalism, freelance writers often market the same story written for different venues. While the opinion and idea may be the same, the requirements for a radio essay, newspaper feature, and a magazine feature differ. Even within the magazine market, the same story written for an adult audience can be revised to target a children's audience.

I think this is ethical if it's a true revision and not simply a re-arrangement of the same words, which we call self-plagiarism in colleges.

I hope this helps, Grace. I'm new to SheWrites and not sure exactly where I'm jumping in to the discussion : )

Jackie McNamara

http://www.writingtheox.blogspot.com/

I'll have to join the group first but thank you for the excellent tip, Emily! I'll do it. 

I think you should pose this question to the Publishing groups here.  I am a member of several groups, and I know there are authors as well as publishers who visit the site.  They always seem to give great advice!

Try:  Small Publishers & Independent Authors, Publishing Industry News, & Copyright & Intellectual Property.

The anthology publisher had first rights only so I know I'm okay that way. I wouldn't resubmit the same essay because the new contest required unpublished essays. I did rewrite it already. It's much shorter and succinct but thought I'd ask all of you before making my final decision on whether to submit or not.  I don't want to do anything unethical. Maybe I'm overthinking it. :) 

Wouldn't you have to check with the anthology publishers as well?  This dilemma sounds like one I have heard from college students trying to figure out whether they can re-submit papers already written for different classes.  Some professors allow it; some don't.  I will be curious as to the responses you get.

If you re-write, could you consider taking a different approach with the second essay?  Perhaps write from a different perspective?  Just wondering.

Emily