Hello, hi, howdy!
Hope everyone is doing as well as they can be right now–it’s Halloween. Spooky! But even more frightening is that we’re only a few days away from the presidential election . . . Yikes.
But to divert your attention to something that some might see equally as scary, I’m currently experiencing a fun new thing in the world of publishing called being on sub.
Yes, I already have a book out with a big five imprint, and yes, I’m now working with my second agent, but no, I’ve never actually been on sub before!
To back up a little, let me explain what “being on sub” means for anyone who might not be in the know. This is where you’ve already worked with your agent on a book, made it as good as you can get it (with your agent’s feedback), and now your agent has begun submitting it to editors at publishing houses. It’s something I’ve been excited about for a long time because it’s a BIG step closer to getting published again, but it’s also something I’ve dreaded. I think all writers do to some point, because being on sub means more WAITING. And let’s face it, we writers get tired of all the waiting we have to do with our books. It can definitely be exhausting.
Aside from the first week or two, when I had *mostly* unrealistic hopes of an editor or three getting grabby hands right away and having my book immediately going to auction, I’ve now settled into a more patient mode as I wait to see what will happen. It’s been a little over one month now since I’ve officially gone on sub. I’ve gotten a few friendly passes (or rejections or whatever you want to call them) but they haven’t bothered me too much. My agent still very much believes in my book and I am trusting that The Traveler didn’t get revived for nothing! Oh, by the way, if you want to read about how my very first book landed me a new agent and restored my hope in my writing/publishing journey, check out this blog post!
But back to being on sub . . . to tell the truth, it feels somewhat like querying, only with much higher stakes. There are all the usual up and down emotions, ranging from the highest of highs to utter despair and everything in between, but after a while, you get somewhat used to being in this weird state of limbo. I have a couple of friends who are also on sub at the moment and we commiserate with one another frequently.
When I was querying agents, I always found that working on a new project helped, and though it took a little longer for me to get back to writing this time, I’m happy to say that I’ve just started a brand new project this week! This one is in the vein of The Traveler–another YA romantasy, only it’s set during the “end-of-the-world”, so yeah . . . fun stuff!
If you’re wanting to know a little more about what happens when a writer is on sub, here is the general flow of things from what I understand:
1.) Agent sends pitch and possibly full manuscript to about 10-15 carefully chosen editors.
2.) Agent waits to hear back from these editors and may check in with them after a month or so. The writer can choose whether they want to hear about “passes” or remain blissfully ignorant to what’s going on. As for me? I want to know everything!
3.) Possibility number one: an editor loves your book–YAY!!! They then have someone or several someones do what’s called a “second read”. If the second reader(s) also like the book, the editor will then take the book to acquisitions where they’ll also need to get their team on board. I have actually experienced this part before. However, books can make it to acquisitions and be turned down for a myriad of reasons. During this whole process, the editor may or may not have already shared their interest in your book with your agent, so you might know it’s going to acquisitions or you might only find out after the fact.
4.) Possibility number two: Several editors want your book–SUPER BIG YAY!!– and it goes to auction where you and your agent get to choose the best/highest-paying publisher for you and your book.
5.) Possibility number three: all editors in the first round of subbing pass on your book or they might even ghost your agent. :-0 You may then decide to do revisions based on editor feedback or you might push onward, going on a second round of sub. The time that can lapse between first and second rounds on sub can vary anywhere from months to over a year. This is up to you and your agent.
6.) Possibility number four: your agent may do what’s called “rolling subs” where, if a pass comes in, they send your project to a new editor on their list.
7.) However, once the list of editors has been exhausted (however long that may take), you generally pull the book and focus on something new. This happens all too frequently, unfortunately. It’s a rough business!
Of course, I’m desperately hoping for option number one or two, but then again, isn’t every writer? 😉
So there you have it–that’s what I know about the whole “being on sub” process. If you have experience with being on sub, feel free to share your thoughts/knowledge in the comments!