You type “The End” on your manuscript, and you’re suddenly faced with a pressing question: How long does it take to publish a book?
The short answer is that publishing can take between thirty days and two years or longer. Want a bit more information? Keep reading to find out how long publishing takes based on the path you choose.
Path 1: Traditional Publishing
A 2020 Writer’s Digest article states that a traditionally published book takes between nine months and two years to go from book contract to release day. However, the traditional publishing journey starts well before you sign a book contract.
The first step in traditional publishing is signing with a literary agent. This requires you to:
- Research agents that specialize in your genre and are accepting new authors
- Contact the agent and pitch your book
If the agent likes your pitch, she’ll ask for a full manuscript. In the event she likes that, she’ll offer to represent you. Once you sign a contract, the agent starts to shop your book to publishing houses that may be interested in publishing your book.
All of this takes time. How much time does it take to publish a book with a traditional publisher? You’ll probably wait a few weeks for an initial response to your query, then a few months for a response on your full manuscript. If an agent isn’t interested in your book, you may never get a response.
Assuming you get a response and land an agent, your agent must then sell your book to a publisher. This is when your countdown to publication begins. Expect to wait another nine months to two years for your book’s release date.
Note: Landing a literary agent can be difficult. According to GetaLiteraryAgent.com, the odds are approximately 1 in 6,000.
Path 2: Self-Publishing
Depending on your skills and time availability, self-publishing can take between thirty days to six months or longer.
For novels, nonfiction books, or other longer titles, most of the time in self-publishing is spent editing. This includes self-editing and hiring a professional editor. Editing picture books and other children’s books takes less time, but it is essential.
After editing, you’ll need to design the cover, lay out the interior, and (if you’ve written a children’s book) create illustrations. With each step, make sure everything meets the printer’s specifications. Otherwise, your files will get rejected.
You can save some time and frustration by hiring a cover artist, illustrator, and someone to lay out the interior of your book. Just make sure these folks provide files that your printer will accept. If they don't, it will extend how long it takes to publish your book.
Path 3: Argyle Fox Publishing (Hybrid Publishing)
Okay, we admit we’re not the only other hybrid publisher out there. But we know ourselves better than any other. We also do things a little different from most of them. But you’re not here for that. You’re here to learn how long it takes to publish a book with us.
Generally speaking, it takes six months to publish with Argyle Fox Publishing.
At least that’s what our contracts say. Most of our books don’t take that long. They take three to five months. Occasionally, a book takes longer than six months. This occurs if something abnormal happens in the publishing process.
For example:
- Your father suffers a heart attack, and you have to care for him in the hospital
- Your artist breaks her wrist and can’t draw for a few weeks or months
When this happens, your timeframe for publication obviously gets adjusted or we work together to find a way to continue moving forward with the original timeline.
Move Toward Publication Today
Want to publish your book in a timely manner, maintain control of the entire process, and wind up with a book you absolutely love? Argyle Fox Publishing is here to serve! Submit your manuscript for consideration today, and you may have your book in hand in just a few months.