Do you have a book written and plan to publish it as quickly as possible? Like most writers, you are naturally eager to get your book out after spending so much time writing it. The hard part is not yet complete. First-time authors may underestimate the amount of work required to produce a successful published work.

This article looks at typical book production timelines for three different publishing models: traditional, self-publishing, and particularly the hybrid model, which is getting more and more famous these days. Publishing time can vary depending on several reasons, such as the quality of the manuscript, length, etc. Still, this article will provide you with a general idea of what to expect from the standard traditional publishing process.

In a traditional book deal, you may have to expect the entire process to take two to three years, sometimes four. That amount of time might look too long until you consider everything that goes into publication.

First, you’ll need to secure an agent to represent you because you’re extremely unlikely to get your foot in the door of a traditional publisher without an agent. Querying an agent is not a simple process: you need to, first work on your publishing proposal, then the query letter, particularly customised to each agent you pitch your work, and wait once the query is sent; agents take 4-12 weeks to respond to your query. Then, if you are successful, they will request your manuscript; another 6-12 months or longer time in waiting. If you are one of those lucky ones, and the agent picks your manuscript.

After that, you’ll need anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to revise the manuscript with your agent, then an average of three to four months for acceptance with a publisher, and at least a few weeks to negotiate the book deal. This initial process can easily take ten months. The other important aspect of international publishing to consider is that many publishers put out books in seasonal cycles (e.g., spring and fall or winter, summer, fall). If you miss the list for one season or it’s complete, you might be slotted into the next one. This may mean anywhere from a three- to six-month delay before production begins.

Once your book enters production, you can expect the process to take nine to two years, with eighteen months being the average. First, it will go through editing, which typically takes several months, depending on the book that needs to be edited (structural, content, presentation and copy editing). Next, if required, your publisher will need several months for the design process, including the cover, interior design, typesetting, cover art, or interior art. Then, at least a couple of months are needed for proofreading and completing the files for the printer. Then, there will be a gap of a few weeks till the ebook comes out, four to eight weeks for printing. The book may take longer than a few months to be shipped and available in shops.

While this process is ongoing, your publishing team is multitasking with other responsibilities, including creating catalogue descriptions and advance reader copies. This allows booksellers to review ARCs and promotional materials to decide if they will stock the book, reviewers to read and evaluate it, potential endorsers to read and endorse it, and other prepublication marketing activities.

Despite the seemingly long time frame, traditional publishers consider it essential to thoroughly prepare the book for printing.

Welcome to the world of traditional publishing, though it is too long through the ordinary eyes, that is how to world works. Bare with us. It is worth the wait.

H Thilakarathne