Publishing Companies and Response Times: What Writers Need to Know
by Mary Kole | Former literary agent, now a freelance editor, writing teacher, and IP/story developer for major publishers and creators.
This article is all about publishing companies and their response times when it comes to submissions. Writers wonder whether a faster response means more interest, and sometimes they doubt that their submission will have a positive outcome if they’ve been waiting too long. But response time and enthusiasm aren’t necessarily connected.
What to Expect From Agents and Publishing Companies
Literary agents and publishing companies have no set timeframe for responding to an initial submission, as each one runs their slush pile very individually. Some agents specify a six-to-eight-week response for initial query letters. If agents and publishing companies send out a partial or full manuscript request, those response times can be all over the map. Some agents might read more quickly at the point of having a requested manuscript in hand, others might turn into black holes.
Obviously, writers who are executing a submission strategy want to hear about their manuscripts’ fates as soon as possible. When submissions stretch out without a response, spirits tend to sag. This is made worse by stories posted online at query and submission tracker forums about writers hearing enthusiastic responses within minutes or hours. That makes it seem that if publishing companies aren’t calling you the same day, they’re not going to be interested. Stories like this are always floating around: “My agent sent an offer of representation the same day!” or “An editor read it overnight and pre-empted with a huge deal!”
But the reality is different indeed. Most writers have to wait weeks or months to hear whether literary agents or publishing companies are interested. That doesn’t mean their projects are better or worse than the ones that get a quick response. In fact, that makes these wait times perfectly normal.
Waiting on Agents and Publishing Companies? No News Is No News
The reason so many people are vocal about their quick offers is because it makes for a good headline. That they waited in radio silence for a long time isn’t really that exciting.
Yes, it's true that when an agent or editor notices something special in a submission, they'll be motivated to give it a read as soon as possible. The same for those projects that get multiple offers of representation right away. But, this isn't the only way for writers to acquire representation or get interest from publishing companies. (Bidding wars do happen for hot projects, but you don’t need a bidding war to get published … if you think you require this kind of fanfare, you might be trying to get into the publishing business for the wrong reasons.)
Understanding Delays From Agents and Publishing Companies
Sadly, many times, a delay in response time has nothing to do with the writer. It's not like an agent has their eye on a particular project and then sits around, waiting for weeks or even months to read it. Other times, book publishing agents may extend another offer and the writer alerts everyone else who is considering, which propels the manuscript to the top of the 'To Read' list ahead of yours. Then again, sometimes an agent or editor gets sick or caught up with other projects while a submission sits in line until it receives its well-deserved attention. This might take months.
The thing is, writers can’t know what’s going on behind the scenes at literary agencies and publishing companies. A delay is NOT PERSONAL. There are a million ways to get representation or a publishing contract. Offers can come in a day or in six months. Sometimes, a writer has a project rejected, only to resubmit a new idea and get representation from literary agents or publishing companies that have passed on them previously.
Maintaining Perspective With Agents and Publishing Companies
Response times vary. When you have a great commercial idea, you could expect things to happen quickly, but don't be discouraged if they don't. Book rejection letters and communications with agents or editors at publishing companies may or may not be heavily loaded with meaning, so resist the temptation to read between the lines. Your work is personal—response times are not.
If you find yourself in the thick of waiting while on submission, I strongly suggest focusing your energy on your next project, whether it’s an idea brainstorm or an outline. This will be a better use of your focus. And although I hope that you won’t have to endure long wait times, if you do—it is completely normal when you are on the submission trail to literary agencies and publishing companies.
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