To most authors, completing a manuscript is like the finish line. However, in practice it just marks the start of the most decisive phase in the life of a book- submission to publishers. This stage is what decides whether your work will go past polished draft to bookshelves. However, to the non-industry members, the submission process is shrouded in mystery.
Knowing what really occurs when your book is on submission can make the waiting period less terrifying and can also help to establish realistic expectations. Here is a glimpse of what happens to your book after you part ways, starting with how your manuscript gets pitched to the editor, to what happens thereafter within the confines of the closed doors.
The Role of the Literary Agent
After editing and polishing your manuscript and getting the go-ahead of your literary agent, you are ready to start the submission process. The agents serve as intermediaries between authors and publishers. They are to present your manuscript as favorably as possible and are designed to pitch it to the preferences of each individual editor, and the requirements of their list.
The agents compose a list of editors and publishing imprints they believe would be interested in your book. They prepare an attractive submission letter that gives a summary of your story, your credentials and why your book would be interesting to the target market. This letter in most instances is significant to the manuscript itself as it is the initial move of your prospective editor to judge you as an author.
Landing on an Editor’s Desk
Editors get dozens of submissions every week, and the first step is nothing more than standing out. When your book is recommended by an agent, someone the publisher has no reason to doubt, it goes to the top of the stack. The pitch is typically read by an editor in order to determine the suitability of the book to their publishing program.
At this point the manuscript can be reviewed by the editor alone or with an assistant. They seek excellent writing, commercial and compatibility with the modern market trends. Should it survive this first filtering, the editor will have a second closer look and decide whether to proceed with the book to his/her team.
Internal Editorial Discussions
An editor cannot simply choose to buy your book at the spot as many authors believe. They must seek departmental colleagues to buy-in even when they love it. The majority of publishing houses use an editorial meeting during which the editors discuss their favorite submissions with other members of the team.
Here, your manuscript will be discussed. Editors justify why it belongs to the list and usually answering such questions as:
- Who is the target readership?
- What is the comparison with similar titles in the market?
- Is the author well-positioned or has distinctive expertise?
- What are the sales figures that can be projected?
Provided that the team is excited, the manuscript proceeds to the acquisitions stage. Otherwise it will be rejected, even in cases where the first editor was personally enthusiastic about it.
The Acquisitions Meeting
It is during the acquisitions meeting that your book will really be determined. Other than the editorial team, marketing, publicity and sales representatives are also present in this meeting. All the departments have a say in it, analyzing the project not only on its literary value but on its marketability and financial viability.
- Marketing question: Is this book positionable in the competitive market? What hooks will we apply to create attention?
- Sales considers: Will retailers stock this title? What is the expected number of copies to sell during the first print run?
- Publicity analyzes: Is the author marketable? Are media coverage, events or online engagement opportunities available?
If the consensus is positive, the publisher will move forward with an offer. If concerns outweigh the potential, the book may be passed over.
Offers and Auctions
When a publisher decides to acquire your book, they extend an offer to your agent. This includes the advance, royalty rates, and key contractual terms. If multiple publishers are interested, your book could spark an auction—where competing bids drive up the financial offer and marketing commitments.
For authors, this is one of the most exciting outcomes of the submission process. Auctions can result in larger advances and stronger publishing support. However, even a single offer from a reputable house is an achievement worth celebrating.
Waiting and Silence
One of the hardest parts of submission is the waiting. It’s common for weeks or even months to pass before hearing back from editors. Publishing decisions involve multiple layers of review, and silence does not necessarily mean rejection.
Agents typically manage communication during this stage, shielding authors from the back-and-forth. They’ll update you when there’s concrete news—whether it’s an offer, a request for revisions, or unfortunately, a rejection.
When Rejections Come
Rejections are a natural part of the process. Even successful books often face multiple passes before landing the right home. Reasons for rejection may have little to do with the quality of your writing: perhaps the house already acquired a similar title, or the editor couldn’t convince colleagues of the book’s potential.
Your agent may share feedback from editors, which can sometimes help refine your manuscript for future submissions. Importantly, a rejection doesn’t mean the end of your publishing journey—it simply means your book hasn’t yet found its match.
The Bigger Picture
Going on submission is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Behind the scenes, your manuscript is moving through a series of professional evaluations, strategic discussions, and commercial considerations. While the process can feel slow and opaque, it is designed to ensure that only the books with strong potential reach the shelves.
For authors, the best approach is to trust the process, lean on your agent’s expertise, and keep writing while you wait. Whether your book finds a publisher quickly or after several rounds of submissions, each step brings you closer to your ultimate goal: sharing your work with readers.