(publishing) timeline
my attempt to pinpoint when stuff will happen in your publication process
Is this timeline bound to vary widely?
Why yes, yes it is. But here’s my best shot:
Month 0: You accept a deal to publish your debut novel. Much celebrating.
Month 2-3: You sign your contract. Your first installment of your advance is on the way.
Month 6: You receive your edit letter.
12 months before publication: You see your cover art. Book goes up on Amazon for pre-order.
6-9 months before publication: ARCs go out. Cover art might start to appear online.
6 months before publication: You book a venue for your book’s launch party. You sign up for blog tours if your publisher isn’t arranging that.
0-3 months before publication: Trade reviews of your book start to go up online.
1 month before publication: The brunt of your book’s promo begins. You send out postcards, if you want to.
0-3 months after publication: More promo. You might do some bookstore/library/school visits.
3 months+ after publication: The spotlight shifts to the next season of novels. You are are too busy writing your next book to care.
6-9 months after publication: You receive your first royalty statement.