…How long should I wait before contacting the publisher?

A: If unsolicited, most manuscripts are first reviewed by a reader, usually a member of the staff. If he/she doesn't see potential in your manuscript for their publishing needs, she/he will return it with a form rejection letter. This process usually takes two-three months. If your project makes it past the "first read" then you will wait longer for an answer. The editor reads it and perhaps shares it with colleagues. The publisher might want the editor to provide a P&L (profit and loss) statement projecting how well the book will sell and what it will cost to produce. They have to study the other books already scheduled or under consideration as well as the backlist. Usually if a manuscript gets this close to a contract, the editor will notify the author by telephone or email. But not always!

The publisher's guidelines will spell out the average waiting time but it is usually longer. If it is an exclusive submission, then you should contact them if you haven't heard within a few weeks past the estimated time. Or, just send it elsewhere if you designated how long it would remain exclusive. If it is a solicited submission, you have more clout to follow up on the status. Email (keep it short!) or a phone call is perfectly acceptable. Enclosing a stamped postcard that asks the publisher to let you know the manuscript was received doesn't work in most cases. Make sure your phone number and email address are on your cover letter and hang in there! Some publishers now tell us to wait X number of months, then move on. They no longer return rejected material. Keep up with current guidelines.