Things Take Time

We all hate to wait. I get it! I am someone who goes to a 3:00 pm meeting and expect it to start at 3:00 pm. I am also someone who does like to keep things moving and get as frustrated as all of you. When I am ready to move on to the next step in a project, I don't like to wait.

But wait we must!

For many authors, it is hard to fathom why things take so much time. We met our deadlines. We wrote that novel in record speed. We are able to read our critique partner's entire manuscript AND provide feedback in 48 hours.

So why can't everyone else?

Because those editors and agents are not just focused on those one or two projects. They have A LOT more.

I was just following up on a project with a great editor I work with on a project that has been out for a while (it was her email that inspired this). The project is with one of the senior editors who "also has a several other proposals she is looking at." Woops! I needed that reminder. It isn't just about my project.

Consider what an editor goes through:

• Reading proposals from CURRENT clients (NOTE: They don't just have 1 CURRENT client but A LOT of CURRENT clients)
• Reading rough drafts from CURRENT clients for general feedback
• Reading and providing editorial work for CURRENT clients
• Writing revision letters for CURRENT clients (consider a good 30-60 minutes for each depending on the notes they took during the read
• Meeting with art departments for CURRENT clients
• Meeting with marketing departments for CURRENT clients
• Discussing new directions for their department with other editors
• Providing a "second look" for the other editors on their team

and now...

• Reading new submissions from agents
• Reading new submissions from requested projects
• Reading new submissions from the massive amount they receive in the "slush pile"
• Responding to all of these submissions (give yourself a good 5 minutes for each project 
• Reading contest entries that they volunteered to help out with for YOUR local writing chapters.
• Taking off Thursday night to attend a weekend conference for YOUR local writing group

 Now, let's assume your project does get into that mix. If you have a story you submitted to your editor, it has to funnel through all of those channels and EVERY editor is pushing for THEIR authors to get through first.

Now do you see what it takes time?