Getting Accepted
How long does it take to go from acceptance to publication?
The time between acceptance and publication very much depends on how much work needs to be done on the manuscript. If the manuscript is ready to rock and roll, if it's all great and doesn't need editing, it will take, on the whole, a year. The publication process takes a year, or nine months minimum.
How will I be informed if I have been accepted?
If you've got a literary agent, you'll be informed of your acceptance through an ecstatic call from your agent telling you the news. If you submitted it to the publisher yourself, you'll either get a phone call, an email or a letter. One way or another, you'll hear the good news.
How do I accept an offer?
You accept an offer from a publisher by saying yes!
I've been accepted but haven't yet finished my book - how long do I have?
If you haven't yet finished your accepted book, you ask the publishing editor how long you have, and you work with that editor. On the whole, if it's a book that doesn't have a specific reason for publication at a specific time, you have as long as you want. You say to your editor, "I think its going to take me six months or two years," or whatever. If it's to be published for an anniversary or something, then that's different, and you ask what your delivery date will be and you have to work to that date.
What should I do if the publisher asks me to make revisions before they'll accept my submission?
I suggest that you work with the editor on revisions to your work. Ask what sorts of revisions they have in mind, then go away and do the work.
I've been asked to make revisions - can I ask for development money?
You can't ask for development money if a publisher has asked you to make revisions. If somebody has offered you the money, that money is for the finished manuscript. Development money doesn't exist in publishing.
My synopsis has been accepted - can I ask for development money to write the book?
If your synopsis has been accepted, you will get a publishing deal and you'll get an advance against royalties. That really is your development money from the publishers.
