Publishing Your Book: A Timeline
How to Write, Sell and Publish a Book
Here’s a breakdown and rough timeline of how traditional book publishing works, from writing to book tours. Of course, some book timelines may vary a bit from this trajectory. Reach out to me to find out how to take the next step.
Write Your Book
Write and edit your book
Agent Edits
Agent edits your novel
If nonfiction, the agent helps you draft a nonfiction proposal or reviews your proposal
Publisher Offers
One or more editors make a verbal offer (which is legally binding)
Your agent begins attempts to sell film and foreign rights
You receive a contract in the next few months
You receive your first check after signing the contract; the second check depends on contract but often around time of publication
Book Prep: 6 Months Before Publication
You discover your assigned publicist
Publisher produces advanced reader copies (ARC) of book
Publicist sends ARCs to glossy magazines and long-lead publications like Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times
Publisher decides cover art
Discuss publication strategy with publisher — will there be a tour?
Start pitching and writing viral essays and op-eds that help support the book; publish essays 3 months before and after book publication (yes, even if you wrote fiction)
Publication Day
Celebrate!
Write Your Next Book
Write and edit your next book
Find a Literary Agent
Write a query letter
Make a list of agents and query in order
Agent agrees to represent you
Agent strategizes for submission
Decides when and to which editors to submit your book
Book Preparation : 2 years to 9 months before publication
More editing from the publisher’s editor
Copyediting (also line called editing) and proofreading
Lawyers review the book if concerns arise
You’re assigned a publicist (but you won’t know who it is for a while)
Sensitivity readers review (if applicable)
Book Prep: 1-2 months before Pub
Finished copies ready and go to short-lead time publications: Local newspapers, NPR, blogs, Goodreads giveaways
Publisher sales representatives discuss copy orders with Amazon, Barnes and Noble, independent bookstores
Setting up authors appearances, readings, book tours, book festivals
Trade publication reviews come out (Kirkus, Publisher’s Weekly)
Post-Publication
Publish viral essays (the most valuable step)
Mainstream reviews come out
Book giveaways
Readings and book tours
Interviews with media; if you have a viral essay, expect to do many of these
Receive publication checks
Earn royalties (if applicable) twice a year
Note: Within a month your publicist is likely working with the next author
I’ve long been fascinated and troubled by the question of how to do two separate but connected jobs as a writer:
Evoke a strong feeling within the reader (to make them cry is a kind of peak, I think).
Describe a character who is experiencing huge feelings in a way that doesn’t feel maudlin, or cheesy.