Your parents (or you, if you're over 18) have signed your contract. Congratulations! You have a book deal.

--First step is developmental editing. Yes, more rewriting. Your editor will send you her changes and suggestions, and you'll be given a period of time in which to do them.

--After developmental edits come line edits. This is the pass where individual sentences and word choices are examined in depth. This is really your last chance to make changes.

--Then comes a round of copy editing to finalize your manuscript.

--After the manuscript is copy edited, it is sent to people who will do the layout for print or ebook. The former is a much more involved process.

--When the layout is complete, you'll get a chance to review the text "on the page." This is strictly a chance to correct mistakes. As tempted as you are to tinker and make changes, the time for that has passed.

--The cover is designed. Some publishers will give you a chance to offer ideas or to select from several possibilities. Don't expect to have more input than that, however. You won't get to design your own cover, and you may not have any say at all.

--A few months before the planned release date, the marketing push begins. This can be huge or practically non-existent. The more money the publisher has invested in your book, the bigger push you're likely to get. You'll be expected to participate and to come to the table with marketing ideas.

--Release day arrives, and you become a published author! The marketing work will continue for several weeks.

The entire process, from the sale to release takes 12-18 months.

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Did this chapter answer a question you had? It would be great if you would press that little star graphic in the top right corner. If not, just carry on reading and vote for one you find more helpful. Oh, I'd be happy to answer your questions in the comments below, as well. --XG