Professionalism and Patience: The Hidden Keys to Publishing Success

If there’s one thing every writer learns on the road to publication, it’s this: publishing moves at a glacial pace.

I’ve seen writers send out queries and not hear back for months—sometimes even a year. Manuscripts can sit on an editor’s desk for just as long. Even after a book is acquired, the journey to seeing it on shelves can take two to three years.

It’s frustrating, yes—but it’s also normal.

The writers who succeed aren’t just talented. They’re patient and professional. They know that how they handle feedback, timelines, and rejection can make or break future opportunities.

Lesson #1: Patience is Part of the Process

Many writers get discouraged when they don’t hear back from agents or editors right away. But the truth is, publishing is a slow industry.

Agents are juggling dozens—sometimes hundreds—of queries on top of their existing clients. Editors, too, are balancing acquisitions, marketing meetings, and book launches. A delay doesn’t mean they aren’t interested—it just means they’re busy.

I’ve seen writers lose out on opportunities because they followed up too aggressively or grew impatient and burned bridges. On the flip side, I’ve also seen writers get a response months after they queried—and land an agent or book deal simply because they waited professionally.

How to Apply This Lesson

• Follow up strategically. If an agent’s submission guidelines say they respond in 8 weeks, wait at least 10 before checking in.

• Query in batches. Instead of pinning all your hopes on one agent, send queries in rounds so you always have new opportunities in the pipeline.

• Expect delays. If you mentally prepare for a slow process, you’ll be less likely to stress over the waiting game.

  
  

Lesson Learned: Publishing takes time. Rushing the process or pestering agents won’t help—but patience and persistence will.

Lesson #2: Agents and Editors Remember Professionalism

Agents and editors don’t just look for great books—they look for great people to work with. Publishing is a long-term relationship, and no one wants to work with a writer who is difficult, rude, or unprofessional.

I’ve seen talented writers get rejected simply because they couldn’t take feedback gracefully or reacted poorly to a rejection. Agents talk to each other. If you gain a reputation for being difficult, it can hurt your chances across the industry.

On the flip side, I’ve seen writers get second chances because they were professional, respectful, and open to revision. Sometimes, an agent will pass on one book but invite a writer to query again in the future.

How to Apply This Lesson

• Never respond emotionally to rejections. Agents don’t owe you an explanation. If they offer feedback, take it graciously.

• Be easy to work with. If an agent requests a revision, be receptive—but also be willing to discuss if you strongly disagree.

• Remember: The industry is small. The agent who rejects you today might introduce you to another agent tomorrow—if you handle things professionally.

  
  

Lesson Learned: Your reputation as a writer matters as much as your manuscript. Be professional, no matter what.

Lesson #3: Rejection is Not the End—It’s Part of the Journey

Every writer faces rejection. Even bestselling authors have stacks of rejection letters from agents and publishers. The difference between those who succeed and those who give up is how they handle it.

Some writers take rejection personally and let it derail them. Others use rejection as fuel, revising and improving their manuscript until they finally land an agent or book deal.

Sometimes, a rejection isn’t a reflection of talent—it’s about fit, timing, or market conditions. A "no" today doesn’t mean a "no" forever.

How to Apply This Lesson

• Reframe rejection as redirection. Every "no" brings a writer closer to the right "yes."

• Keep improving. If multiple agents give similar feedback, take it as a sign to revise.

• Don’t burn bridges. If an agent passes but says they’d love to see future work, that is a positive sign.

  
  

Lesson learned: Rejection isn’t failure—it’s feedback. Writers who keep going despite setbacks are the ones who succeed.

Lesson #4: Long-Term Thinking Leads to Long-Term Success

Many writers focus only on getting an agent or book deal, but publishing is a career, not just a one-time event. The most successful writers don’t just think about one book—they think about their entire writing career.

Writers have sabotaged future opportunities by being short-sighted. Some rush into bad publishing deals, argue with agents over minor edits, or quit writing altogether after one book doesn’t sell.

The writers who go the distance are the ones who build relationships, stay flexible, and keep writing new books.

How to Apply This Lesson

• Play the long game. Think beyond this book—how should a writer’s career grow?

• Be adaptable. If an agent suggests a new direction, be open to discussion.

• Keep writing. The more books a writer writes, the better their chances of success.

  
  

Lesson learned: A single book deal isn’t the goal—a lasting writing career is.

Patience + Professionalism = Publishing Success

Publishing is slow. It’s frustrating. It can feel impossible at times. But the writers who stay professional, keep improving, and don’t give up are the ones who eventually break through.