The Journey of Waiting: How Long Until You Hear Back From a Publisher?

The submission of a manuscript to a publisher can be a nerve-wracking experience, and one of the most daunting questions is, How long until you get a response? This article delves into the typical response times from publishers and provides practical advice on what to expect and how to proceed.

Understanding Publisher Response Times

The response time from publishers can vary widely based on several factors, including the size of the publisher, the genre of the book, and their current workload. Generally, here are some typical timelines:

Big Publishers

Big publishers often have a high volume of submissions and a lengthy review process. It can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to receive a response. This timeline can be influenced by the publisher's internal bureaucracy and the complexity of the evaluation process.

Small Presses

Small presses tend to respond more quickly than their larger counterparts, typically within 1 to 3 months. However, the response time can still vary, especially if they are also managing a large number of submissions. It's important to review the specific submission guidelines provided by small presses to understand their practices better.

Literary Agents

When submitting to literary agents, the response time can range from 1 to 6 months. Some agents prominently display their response times on their websites, providing transparency about their workflow and review process.

Simultaneous Submissions

If you decide to submit your manuscript to multiple publishers or agents simultaneously, it's crucial to check their individual policies. Some publishers require exclusivity for a certain period, which can affect your strategy and timing.

What to Expect and How to Proceed

While the response times can be variable, it's important to recognize that publishing is both a competitive and time-consuming process. Publishers receive a large volume of submissions, and it can take a considerable amount of time for them to review and respond to each one. Patience is key during this period.

Following Up Polite and Professionally

If you haven't heard back from a publisher after a reasonable amount of time, it's acceptable to follow up. However, it's essential to be polite and professional in your follow-up. Here are some tips:

Define what constitutes a reasonable amount of time based on the publisher's guidelines. Keep your follow-up brief and to the point. Avoid sending multiple follow-ups unless absolutely necessary. Use a friendly and respectful tone, even if you feel frustrated.

Assuming Rejection

If you haven't received a response after several follow-up attempts, it's reasonable to assume that your submission has been rejected. This doesn't mean you should give up; instead, it provides an opportunity to improve your manuscript and submit it elsewhere or to consider self-publishing.

Getting Started with Self-Publishing

Self-publishing can be a challenging but rewarding path. After publishing 200 books on Amazon and running 120 million Amazon ads, I discovered a key strategy: breaking down the self-publishing process into manageable steps.

The key is to:

Identify the essential steps required for self-publishing. Create a step-by-step checklist for easy reference. Follow the checklist diligently to ensure a smooth publishing journey.

You can access my free self-publishing secrets checklist to get started on your self-publishing journey today.