The Publishing Process at Elyssar Press

At Elyssar Press, we take our time with each publication stage because we know how much heart you put into your stories.

While some manuscripts move faster, the typical timeline from submission to celebratory launch is approximately 18 to 24 months.

Step 1 – Submit Your Full Manuscript

The journey begins at our online submission portal, which opens twice a year:

• The Seed & The Fruit At Elyssar Press, we open our doors twice a year to mirror the earth's natural cycle of creation.

  • March – April: Our Equinox Window. We seek the new growth—voices that are breaking through and stories that feel like the first day of spring.

  • July – August: Our Harvest Window. We seek the seasoned work—manuscripts that have been refined by time and are ready for the world to taste.

• Please submit your full manuscript along with a short blurb about the work and your author bio.

Step 2 – The Six-Month Review Period

Our team carefully reviews every submission. Due to the volume of work we receive, we may only contact authors we are interested in pursuing. If you do not hear back from us within six months, you can safely assume we have decided not to move forward with your work at this time.

Step 3 – The Deep Read

If your manuscript captures our interest, our team spends an additional two months in a "deep read" phase. We dive into the nuances of your story or poetry to ensure it is the perfect fit for the Elyssar Press legacy.

Step 4 – Contract Offer & Intellectual Property

Once we decide to move forward, we will reach out with a formal publishing contract. At this stage, Elyssar Press works diligently to ensure your intellectual property is fully secured through our legal agreements.

A Note on AI and Authenticity: To preserve the integrity of the human experience, Elyssar Press does not accept writing, art, or photography generated by AI. We believe in the beauty of human-created language and design.

Step 5 – Editorial Assessment

After the contract is signed, your manuscript undergoes a "big picture" assessment. For about one month, an editor evaluates the structural needs of the work to determine the best path for the upcoming editing rounds.

Your assigned editor will contact you, and together, you will establish expectations for the parameters of the work. The editor will be covered by Elyssar Press.

Step 6 – The Editing Phase (2–4 Months)

Your work now undergoes the heavy lifting: Developmental Editing, Copy Editing, and Proofreading.

During this time, you should also begin reaching out to your network for book blurbs and endorsements to be featured on the cover.

Step 7 – Layout and Interior Design

Our design team arranges your edited manuscript into its final book format. This is the final stage to provide photos, updated bios, or back-cover copy.

We will share a visual proof with you for final layout approval.

Step 8 – Marketing & Social Media Kickoff

As we approach the finish line, we begin promoting your book across our website and social channels. We will offer guidance on marketing best practices to help you share your success with your own community.

Step 9 – Online Bookstore Debut

Two to three months before the launch, your book becomes available for purchase on our online bookstore. At this stage, you will receive your complimentary author copy, and we will finalize the technical support for your launch event.

Step 10 – The Grand Book Launch

Almost two years after you clicked "submit," we arrive at your book launch!

Whether it is a virtual reading or an in-person event, this is the moment to celebrate your work with the world.

We don't rush the process because we want you to love the final book as much as we do!