Demystifying the Submissions Process
You’ve polished your manuscript, formatted it beautifully, crafted a clear and compelling query letter… and now, you’ve finally hit send.
First: take a deep breath and congratulate yourself. Submitting your work is a huge step, and it takes courage.
Now comes the part many writers find hardest: the waiting.
But what actually happens once your submission lands in an agent’s or editor’s inbox?
Let’s pull back the curtain on the process—and why August is the perfect time to prepare for it.
Why August Is Ideal for Submission Prep
Publishing slows down in August. Many agents and editors are on vacation, conferences pause, and inboxes are (slightly) less full. That means response times may be delayed—but it also means this is the perfect month to:
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Research and curate your submission list
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Fine-tune your query and manuscript
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Get organized so you’re ready to submit in earnest come fall
Use the lull wisely, and you’ll hit the ground running in September.
What Happens After You Submit
Once your submission is sent, here’s a typical behind-the-scenes timeline (keeping in mind that it varies widely by agent/editor):
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Your email lands in a submissions inbox
Some agencies use generic submission addresses; others have individual emails. Either way, your manuscript joins a queue. -
It’s screened—usually by an assistant or intern
Many agents/editors rely on trusted first readers to sort through slush. Only manuscripts that show promise or professionalism make it past this gate. -
If your submission sparks interest, it moves up the chain
The agent or editor reads it personally. They may:-
Request the full manuscript (if they’ve only seen a sample)
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Ask follow-up questions
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Send it to colleagues for second reads
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Make a note to keep an eye on your future work
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If it doesn’t fit their list, you’ll receive a pass
This might be a form rejection—or a personal one if they connected with the work but didn’t feel it was right for them.
No response? Sadly, that’s also common. Some agents/editors only reply if interested (check their submission guidelines to be sure).
What You Can Do While You Wait
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Track your submissions: Use a spreadsheet or tool like QueryTracker.com to stay organized.
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Keep writing: Don’t pause your creative momentum! The first thing an agent will want to know is what else you’re working on. Make sure you have at least 3 submission-ready manuscripts before you submit.
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Revise other projects: See above. Also, one of the best ways to handle rejections is to have another project to focus on.
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Stay connected: Attend conferences, critique groups, or webinars. Use the slower pace of August to build your writer’s toolbox.
Reframe the Waiting
Think of this phase not as limbo, but as your buffer zone—a time to regroup, recalibrate, and reinvest in your craft. What you do after submitting is just as important as the submission itself.
So this August, embrace the quiet. Submit smart. Stay creative…
And know that every query is a step forward in your writing life.
Want step-by-step guidance, templates, and expert support through the entire submissions process?
Check out The Complete Picture Book Submissions System—your go-to resource for turning polished manuscripts into professional submissions that get noticed.
