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You’ve edited your manuscript, crafted your query letter, and finally hit “send.” For some, that path starts with traditional writing. For others, eBook ghostwriting helps bring the story to life before it ever reaches an agent. Most writers do this. But on the other side of your submission is an agent juggling a lot. They’re not just reading queries; they’re handling contracts, working with editors, and guiding current clients. The quiet isn’t personal. It’s just part of the workflow.
Literary agents follow a series of steps when reviewing new work. Each one takes time. Understanding this process helps you set better expectations. It also gives you peace of mind while you wait. This blog walks you through the seven key stages, from query to book deal. Knowing what’s happening behind the curtain can make the wait less frustrating and help you stay focused on writing.
Stage 1: Query Inbox Review
The query inbox is where it all starts. Agents receive dozens, sometimes hundreds, of queries each week. Some work with assistants or interns to help sort through them. Others read each one themselves. The goal at this stage is quick screening. They’re looking for standout ideas and solid writing. They also check if the book fits their current list.
Queries are often read in batches. Agents might take a few hours each week to go through them. They’re reading for clarity, tone, market fit, and originality. If something clicks, they’ll move it to the next step.
Timeline: Expect a wait of 2–8 weeks. Some agents reply faster. Some reply only if interested. Always check their submission guidelines for specifics.
Stage 2: Initial Manuscript Request & Evaluation
If your query catches the agent’s attention, they may request pages. This could be a partial (like the first 50 pages) or the full manuscript. From there, it joins a reading queue. This queue often includes current client work, which usually comes first.
Agents read submissions outside business hours. Many do this on nights or weekends. They read with an eye for voice, structure, pacing, and market potential. They also think about where your book might fit on their list.
Timeline: This stage often takes 1–3 months. That’s normal. Some take longer, especially during busy seasons or travel months.
Stage 3: Editorial Consideration
If the manuscript shows promise, the agent digs deeper. This is where they consider editorial needs. Some agents are hands-on editors. Others only take on near-ready work. Either way, they assess how much work the book needs before it’s ready for submission to editors.
Some agents may send feedback. They may suggest changes before moving forward. This is not a rejection. It’s a sign of strong interest. They may request changes to improve flow, clarity, or structure. Authors sometimes bring in informative ghostwriting support here to revise their draft based on agent notes.
Timeline: This can take another 2–4 weeks, depending on the revision depth. If revisions are requested, the author’s timeline comes into play, too.
Stage 4: Offer of Representation
Once the agent decides they want to represent the book, they reach out. This call or email is the big moment. They’ll talk through their vision, how they plan to pitch the book, and what happens next.
The author is usually given a window of one to two weeks to notify other agents who also have the manuscript. This is standard. It allows space for other agents to respond or offer as well.
Timeline: Once the offer is made, decisions often wrap up within 1–2 weeks. It can happen faster if you’ve only submitted to one agent. If there are multiple offers, take your time to choose the right fit.
Stage 5: Manuscript Revisions Before Submission
After signing, the agent and author usually revise the manuscript again. Even polished drafts need some shaping. The goal here is to prepare the book for editors. This could involve story edits, character development, or tightening chapters.
Some authors use eBook ghostwriting services at this stage to strengthen pacing, polish structure, or rework chapters before submission.
Once done, agents often send detailed editorial letters. Other times, they prefer calls. The process is collaborative. Expect back-and-forth. Some books take one round. Others take several.
Timeline: Plan for 1–3 months for this stage. It depends on how close the manuscript is to being ready and how fast the author can turn edits around. It’s better not to rush here. Strong first impressions with editors matter.
Stage 6: Submission to Editors
Once revisions are complete, the agent creates a submission plan. They choose editors and imprints based on fit, genre, and past deals. They also write a pitch letter tailored to each submission.
Then they send the manuscript out. Editors receive a digital copy, read it on their own time, and discuss it with their team if interested. Some reply quickly. Others take months.
This stage often feels the slowest to the author. But it’s common for agents to wait weeks before hearing back. Meanwhile, they may be quietly following up behind the scenes.
Timeline: Expect this stage to take 3–6 months. Some submissions sell fast. Some take longer or require multiple rounds.
Stage 7: Follow-up, Offers, and Deal Negotiation
If an editor wants to acquire the book, they reach out with an offer. The agent handles all negotiations. This includes advances, royalties, rights, and deadlines. If multiple editors are interested, the agent may set up an auction or ask for best offers.
Once a deal is agreed on, contracts follow. From there, you officially move into the publishing process. That includes editorial work with the publisher, cover design, and marketing plans.
Timeline: This can move fast, sometimes within days. Other times, offers may take weeks to finalize, especially if legal review is involved.
Be Patient, Stay Professional, Keep Writing
This whole journey can take anywhere from six months to over a year. That’s not to discourage you; it’s to prepare you. The waiting is hard. But knowing what’s happening behind the scenes can ease the pressure. If you need help shaping your draft, informative ghostwriting can support your voice and vision without losing authenticity.
Remember, agents aren’t just reading submissions. They’re pitching books, managing clients, and staying in touch with editors. They want your book to succeed. That’s their job. But success takes time.
The best thing you can do while waiting is to write your next book. Keep building your skills. Stay focused on your path. Publishing is a long game, but it’s one worth playing.
