Unexpected orders. What to do?

Tell the publisher. Always tell the publisher. Tell them everything.

Then ask them how long it will take them to make up their mind, because if they don't want it, you're going to go to Carta Mundi and place an order for 5000 units and let history take its course :) haha.

Oh, and congratulations on making such a successful game! Once it's out, please let us know what it is.

I'm with the folks saying to just ask your playtesters to hold tight, it's how playtesting works.

And Magician, no, putting it in the public domain removes all protection. Maybe you mean showing it publicly to try to generate prior art, but I see no reason for that here. Or, really, in most any situation.

I don't see the harm in providing your 'playtesters' with a 'prototype' for them to play. Also consider that if it does get picked up, then it may take 2 or more years before it actually hits the shelves. Most publishers already have their 2009 release schedule set, so we're talking minimum 2010, unless the publisher is EXTREMELY flexible with what they publish.

The more people that see the prototype, the more buzz it will create. Of course, once the publisher agrees to publish it, you should probably cease any further sales. A couple copies for your friends/playtesters should be fine. Just don't advertise publicly that you are doing it. I think common sense should prevail in this situation.

-Darke

P.S. When will my copy be ready? =)

This is great clarity. Hat's off to coco for creating such a good game. I am facing questions about my own project that perhaps I will only be able to distribute it as a prototype that I create until I can generate enough clear interest that a print run would be workable. I have many enthusiastic playtesters, but my prospects don't go into the thousands. I know some people really like my idea. Any advice would be greatly appeciated. I do not have the space in my life to create games beyond my original intent that I have set forth that I have shared. My creative plate is so full right now to be full fledged game designer.
Thanks in advance!

If it were me I'd sell the prototypes for fifty euro. They're handmade afterall, and any history of sales will get you more leverage with the publisher.

Of the same game? Wait for the first one to make a proposal. If you supply a copy to another publisher while one is reviewing it, you might well get a better deal in the end (or help ensure that you do get a deal of some kind), but your reputation with those publishers will be tarnished.

Tell the second publisher that it's currently under review by another publisher, but that you'll certainly send them a prototype if you don't make a deal with the first one. It's business, and they understand the realities of this. Mostly.

From what I've heard, it sounds like your first publisher is serious and interested, so you're probably in good shape. As long as you get a fair contract with them, you're probably good to go.

you should go with your instinct coco.

If you do name names, they might think you are trying to play one of against the other. If you don't, then they may think you are lying. If either publisher reads bgdf they will know the truth of it anyway.