Christmas story (bad time to market?)

The problem is that, even though the season is approaching (way too) fast, even an acceptance means a good chance that it'll be at least a year until publication. Like for magazines, most want seasonal items at least six month prior to the actual season.

Of course, I don't know much about the children's book world, nor do I know what you're submitting - short story? novella? chapter book?

Not the most useful info, but I hope it helps a little.

My vote is shop it now (not that I know anything about such matters). Now is when an agent's or editor's imagination is likeliest to run with it. In July it just won't read the same way. Definitely DON'T shop it in January--holiday fatigue. Just my $.02.

I'm not suggesting don't shop - if it's a good story it won't matter when you submit (altho holiday fatigue might come into play). It's early enough now that fatigue hasn't had a chance to bite - that probably wouldn't happen until New Year's

I never thought of that "holiday fatigue." There might be something to that.

I'd say if it's ready, get it out there. Books can take up to (and yes, even beyond) 18 months from acceptance to publication. And notice I said "acceptance." Even that can take six months or longer. Your ms. could just sit in a pile for a few months before anyone looks at it. Or it could be a matter of weeks.

My vote: Send it out.

My pb took 21 months from acceptance to publication, so I'd say submit any time!

Hi Gurnie. I have a fantasy book that includes Christmas characters and I've also weighed the pros and cons. I don't know about a swarm of holiday manuscripts - people who are pitching a holiday themed book probably started in early spring. You're right about the mood and I think perhaps wrong about this being a busy time of year - I'm told by an industry insider that things pretty much shut down - or slow down a great deal - between Thanksgiving and the new year.

That said, I'm going to pitch starting the first week in December hoping I can coattail on some holiday cheer but mostly, as I'm just finishing up last-minute revisions, I want to get it out as soon as I can because of all the dang waiting involved.

Good luck!