That timeline helps me SO much -- I realize I'm not in some alternate space where the rest of the world moves at its usual speed while my book and I are stuck in some weird, glacially paced parallel dimension. And what (almost) nobody tells you about is the WAITING. I started my book in 2017 or 2018. Its pub date is expected in spring of 2026. I could torture myself with nightmares about my editor leaving the publishing house, but I have the election to distract me.
Yes I think that’s exactly why I wanted to put this out there. It’s so hard to know what is “normal” in this industry. Don’t think about your editor leaving OR the election. We can only do our work and vote 🗳️
Love seeing this timeline! You’ve inspired me to track the journey of my second book. Too late for the first—I’ve forgotten too much. And people LOVE asking, “How long did it take you?”
This resonated so much! (I've written other people's cookbooks for more than a decade. People always, always, always underestimate the writing part. Even in nonfiction, having an idea --or platform -- isn't a story.) Thank you so much for sharing your timeline! -- it is eye-opening in the best way, and it reminds me I need to be more patient with my current draft.
Gosh, I so appreciate this post (lol to the title), but among other things, I really love that you shared your timeline for those of us traditional publishing hopefuls. Writing and revising my memoir has, at times, felt like the hardest part, but knowing what's on the other side of all that effort (more work and time and patience needed) puts it all into perspective. This is but one step in a LOOONNNGGGGGG journey. And what a journey it's been for you, Laura. Thanks so much for sharing.
so true! I mean, what it really takes a book is an unbelievable amount of stubborn determination! (plus plot/characters/setting/etc) it really is so helpful to see how long it all takes.
I loved seeing your timeline! I’ve been writing seriously for the last 10 years and working on my third novel, though nothing published yet. I think my current effort, a military political techno-thriller is publishable so I’m working on draft number 6 to incorporate feedback from multiple beta readers and two military technical readers. Once that’s done I’ll send it to an editor that will require a couple more rounds of changes. This is all before I even look for a publisher. My goal is to find a small press I can query directly vs trying to find a literary agent.
I also laugh when people say they have an idea for a book or that they are afraid someone will steal their idea. You can give the exact same idea to ten different writers and they will write vastly different stories. You’re right, writing is a marathon. I attended a weeklong in residence writing program a couple of years ago and I worked with several experienced published authors who made their living on their writing. Two of them told me my writing is at a professional level and one was even more direct, he said as long as I’m ridiculously stubborn I will get published. Yes, I’m that guy, driven and won’t quit.
Thanks for sharing your insights and reality check on getting a book published.
Oh boy. I have to lie down and think about all that. Just finished a novel; it's at the editor right now, and God knows what I'll have to change. and how much time THAT will take. Thanks for the time-line story. Yikes.
There are certainly writers who HAVENT taken 8 years! This is not meant to be discouraging AT ALL—-it’s the opposite. Understand the realities and have patience and determination and faith in yourself 💗💗💗💗
That timeline helps me SO much -- I realize I'm not in some alternate space where the rest of the world moves at its usual speed while my book and I are stuck in some weird, glacially paced parallel dimension. And what (almost) nobody tells you about is the WAITING. I started my book in 2017 or 2018. Its pub date is expected in spring of 2026. I could torture myself with nightmares about my editor leaving the publishing house, but I have the election to distract me.
Yes I think that’s exactly why I wanted to put this out there. It’s so hard to know what is “normal” in this industry. Don’t think about your editor leaving OR the election. We can only do our work and vote 🗳️
Love seeing this timeline! You’ve inspired me to track the journey of my second book. Too late for the first—I’ve forgotten too much. And people LOVE asking, “How long did it take you?”
Yes hahaha there is no good answer to that question but A LONG TIME
This makes me feel better about my never-ending romcom! Thank you for sharing!
💗
This resonated so much! (I've written other people's cookbooks for more than a decade. People always, always, always underestimate the writing part. Even in nonfiction, having an idea --or platform -- isn't a story.) Thank you so much for sharing your timeline! -- it is eye-opening in the best way, and it reminds me I need to be more patient with my current draft.
Patience + determination for the win
Gosh, I so appreciate this post (lol to the title), but among other things, I really love that you shared your timeline for those of us traditional publishing hopefuls. Writing and revising my memoir has, at times, felt like the hardest part, but knowing what's on the other side of all that effort (more work and time and patience needed) puts it all into perspective. This is but one step in a LOOONNNGGGGGG journey. And what a journey it's been for you, Laura. Thanks so much for sharing.
It is true that it takes a long time. I think that’s why we have to celebrate all the wins along the way!
so true! I mean, what it really takes a book is an unbelievable amount of stubborn determination! (plus plot/characters/setting/etc) it really is so helpful to see how long it all takes.
Stubborn determination will take you far!
I loved seeing your timeline! I’ve been writing seriously for the last 10 years and working on my third novel, though nothing published yet. I think my current effort, a military political techno-thriller is publishable so I’m working on draft number 6 to incorporate feedback from multiple beta readers and two military technical readers. Once that’s done I’ll send it to an editor that will require a couple more rounds of changes. This is all before I even look for a publisher. My goal is to find a small press I can query directly vs trying to find a literary agent.
I also laugh when people say they have an idea for a book or that they are afraid someone will steal their idea. You can give the exact same idea to ten different writers and they will write vastly different stories. You’re right, writing is a marathon. I attended a weeklong in residence writing program a couple of years ago and I worked with several experienced published authors who made their living on their writing. Two of them told me my writing is at a professional level and one was even more direct, he said as long as I’m ridiculously stubborn I will get published. Yes, I’m that guy, driven and won’t quit.
Thanks for sharing your insights and reality check on getting a book published.
Such a good point, Bruce!! Good luck to you. You have the grit, that’s for sure!!!
this was *precisely* what I needed to read today. Thank you!
There have been days that I searched out this kind of info 🙏🏾
Just WOW…!!!
Oh boy. I have to lie down and think about all that. Just finished a novel; it's at the editor right now, and God knows what I'll have to change. and how much time THAT will take. Thanks for the time-line story. Yikes.
There are certainly writers who HAVENT taken 8 years! This is not meant to be discouraging AT ALL—-it’s the opposite. Understand the realities and have patience and determination and faith in yourself 💗💗💗💗
Thank you! You are a sweetheart...and I feel much better. Onward!