Timeline of a Traditionally Published Novel
post by Michelle Griep
Curious about how long it takes for an average novel to hit the shelves from idea to finished product? I'm a pretty average author, so here's a timeline of one of my new releases . . .
July 2014 Came up with the idea for a new story
and wrote a synopsis.
Sept. 2014 Pitched the idea to a publisher at the
ACFW Conference.
June 2015 Heard from the publisher -- who's
offering a contract. Woohoo!
July 2015 Receive contract and start writing the
book.
Sept. 2015 Fill out paperwork for cover art direction.
Dec. 2015 Receive first peek at cover and give
feedback.
Jan. 2016 Receive final of cover art but am not free to reveal it until February.
Feb. 2016 Full manuscript is due.
Mar. 2016 First round of edits.
May 2016 Second round of edits.
Sept. 2016 Receive a box of author copies.
Oct. 2016 Release.
So from idea to shelf it took 2 years and 3 months. Think about that next time you whip through reading a book in a marathon overnight binge.
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July 2014 Came up with the idea for a new story
and wrote a synopsis.
Sept. 2014 Pitched the idea to a publisher at the
ACFW Conference.
June 2015 Heard from the publisher -- who's
offering a contract. Woohoo!
July 2015 Receive contract and start writing the
book.
Sept. 2015 Fill out paperwork for cover art direction.
Dec. 2015 Receive first peek at cover and give
feedback.
Jan. 2016 Receive final of cover art but am not free to reveal it until February.
Feb. 2016 Full manuscript is due.
Mar. 2016 First round of edits.
May 2016 Second round of edits.
Sept. 2016 Receive a box of author copies.
Oct. 2016 Release.
So from idea to shelf it took 2 years and 3 months. Think about that next time you whip through reading a book in a marathon overnight binge.