Why the Publishing Process Takes So Long
One of the biggest surprises for debut authors is discovering how slooooooowly traditional publishing moves.
Writers often imagine that once a manuscript sells, publication quickly follows. In reality, most traditionally published books take two years — sometimes longer — to reach shelves.
This timeline exists because publishing involves an extraordinary number of moving parts. After acquisition comes all the other steps in the publishing process:
First, there’s developmental editing. This is where your editor works closely with you to revise the manuscript and make it the best it can be. This can take several months alone.
Once the final text is approved, the manuscript goes into copyediting. This is a different editor than your developmental editor. Copyeditors check everything – grammar, syntax, spelling, facts. You then have the opportunity to review the copyeditor’s suggestions and agree or disagree.
There may be permissions to be obtained and paid for, if you are using any quotes, poems, lyrics, photographs or other intellectual property that is not your own. This is the responsibility of the author, but usually the publisher will help in the process.
Once a manuscript is finalized, it moves into the design process. This includes layout (including font choice and trim size), illustration development, jacket design, endpapers, paper quality and finish, etc. Depending on the illustrator’s schedule, this part of the process can take one to two years or more.
Sales preparation involves establishing pricing and the size of the print run, as well as coming up with a comprehensive marketing strategy. Jacket copy, catalogue copy, cataloguing in publication information, and promotional copy must all be written and approved, and any special sales outlets beyond the norm identified. This is also when blurbs are solicited (if any).
Reviews must be cultivated and tracked by sending advance review copies (ARCs) to media outlets and individuals. Some outlets work 6 months or more in advance, and therefore require extra lead time.
The printing process can take several months, especially if it is being done in China or elsewhere outside the country. During the printing process, proofs will need to be circulated and reviewed for accuracy of color and other elements, which also adds time.
Shipping adds another layer of time to the process, as does distribution and fulfillment from fulfillment centers and warehouses to bookstores.
Publishers also schedule books strategically around seasonal sales cycles, school calendars, bookstore ordering timelines, and marketing opportunities.
As frustrating as the pace can feel, much of this process exists to maximize a book’s chances of success. Publishing is both an art form and a business. Bringing a book successfully into the world requires coordination across many departments and professionals. The long timeline is not evidence that the industry is careless or lazy. It reflects just how much labor goes into creating books well.
