Why Traditional Publishing Takes Longer

Right now, my team and I are writing books that will be published in 2026.

That’s because a typical timeline for a traditional publisher — from book deal to book on shelves — is 18 to 24 months. Here are five big reasons why books take longer to write and produce when you’re working with a Big Five publisher.

1. Volume.

Most of the big publishers — Penguin Random House (#1), Simon & Schuster (#2), HarperCollins (#3), Hachette Books (#4) and Macmillan (#5) — agree to publish thousands of books every year. Similarly, many literary agents sell dozens of books every year and most editors work on at least 10 books annually.

Your book can be important and worthy, while still being one of many. One of the reasons authors hire me and my team is to have someone who understands this reality and is there to put their book first.

2. Effort.

In addition to your editor, literary agent, and a collaborator like me — there are dozens of people who help produce a traditionally published book. Copyeditors (who handle grammar and spelling), cover designers, interior book designers, production editors (who handle the production and printing), typesetters, staff at the actual print shop. While it takes time to coordinate all these folks, especially at scale, I believe…