Hi. Hello from the in-between. I find myself here once again—you know that murky spot between finishing a book, waiting for feedback, and prepping to go on submission?
Since it’s my third time here (specifically, prepping a book for sub, not a third time signing an agent), I thought I’d spill the deets on what happens in this murky, limbo period. AND, how to best spend your time.
1. CONGRATS! You signed a literary agent. Now what?
You made it through querying! You found an agent who loves your book and wants to represent you. Now, what the heck happens?
At this point, you should have signed your contract and your agent should either set up a meeting or send you notes/an edit letter detailing changes they want you to make to your manuscript. Those notes and edits can range from large developmental changes to simple line-level clean up.
You may set a deadline to get those things done, or your agent may say “do it when you have time, no rush.”
He or she may also give you a timeframe for when they want to send your book out to editors. If it’s close to summer (like, July) they may suggest waiting until Aug/September since publishing kind of takes a break around then. Same with Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Hear me so loud and clear right now—an agent should have notes on your book. If they say it’s perfect, red flag.
2. Prepping for Sub
Great! You finished those edits, didn’t pull out your hair, and turned them into your agent. Now what?
It can take several weeks for your agent to read your manuscript (remember, you aren’t their only client!), but guess what? There’s things you can complete in the meantime.
To go on submission, you’re going to need a few things:
A query letter (if you just signed, you can use the one you used to query)
A synopsis
An author bio
Comps
Lists of editors you admire or would want to submit to
**Ask your agent if they have a submission checklist they need completed, and if you can work on it while you wait for final approval.
But Kelly, isn’t that my agent’s job?
Yes. And no. Your agent may decide to write the query yourself, or they may ask you to draft one first to then tweak.
Yes, an agent can help you find comps, but you still need to come to the table with some ideas.
Remember, this is a partnership. That means both sides put in the work.
When it comes to a list of editors and imprints, your agent will have a list they plan to submit to. However, if you really admire Amanda Bergeron (the editor for Emily Henry and Carley Fortune), it’s totally fair to ask if it’s possible to submit to them. Maybe you’re a fantasy author and you LOVE Red Tower—ask to add it to the list.
3. Time to be social
Okay, so, you did your edits, and finished your submission prep. And you’re still waiting. What else can you do?
Time to be social, my friends, and I mean, social media.
If you’re anything like me, social media falls to the wayside when I’m drafting. Now is time to ramp it back up.
Consider making a pitch deck to share on Instagram, Twitter, and Bluesky. Record batches of Tiktoks promoting your new book about to head out to editors. Read through your manuscript and pull quotes that might be good to share.
BUILD THAT PLATFORM, BABY.
There’s mixed opinions on announcing when you go on submission as an author—check with your agent, but I personally say go for it. I have had requests to view manuscripts by editors because I promoted my book on sub, and so have some of my friends.
At the end of the day, I think any interest in your book you can drum up is a good thing.
4. Refill the well & give back
You just spent a lot of creative energy drafting, editing, and querying a book. Now that it’s about to be released into the world (aka the hands of editors) now is the time to refill that creative well.
Read books on your TBR you’ve been looking forward to.
Watch Netflix shows, and rot your brain with movies.
Take a nap.
Go outside and touch grass.
Play with hobbies like painting, crocheting, and whatever crafty thing you enjoy.
Also, this is the time to GIVE BACK to the writing community that lifted you up. All those people who helped critique your query letter and manuscript? Now, it’s your turn to beta read their work.
5. Think about your next project
Remember when you were querying and all the advice said to work on the “next” thing?
Yeah. That advice still stands for being on sub as well.
Heed the advice of number four, but if you feel up for it, noodle on ideas for your next project. Explore ideas you like, and brainstorm with friends.
Also, editors interested in your book may ask what you’re next project or manuscript is. It’s a good idea to at least have an idea or a pitch in mind to share.
I want to bring back the little section where I shared what I was reading/listening/watching. I fell off the tracks there for a minute, but I’m back!
Currently Reading:
BACK IN THE SADDLE: Maggie Eckersley
Technically, I’m listening to it as an audiobook, but only because the narrator’s voice is so lovely. This isn’t your typical cowboy romance—it tackles grit and sorrow and finding your identity after loss.
Currently Watching:
ONE NIGHT IN IDAHO: Amazon Prime
Just finished this and it’s chilling. I’m a true crime junkie (hello, I worked in newsrooms) and this case is so awful. The family and friends in this doc did an amazing job centering the victims in the story, instead of their murderer.
Currently Listening:
GOLDIE BOUTLIER
I just discovered Goldie! I’m hooked. Been listening to her pretty much constantly (and her music was such a vibe as I worked on my latest book!)