Waiting for promised contract

[TaniAliya]

Hi, I was offered a contract on 26 November and have yet to see it. I know these things take time and with the holiday season on us, I thought I'd wait until mid-January to chase up. Does anybody know what a decent time frame would be?

[Sam]

A contract with whom and for what?

I'm afraid we're going to need more specifics than what you've given here.

[Cephus]

Contracts typically go through your agent for traditional publishing, most legitimate publishers don't deal with the author directly.

[Sam]

Contracts typically go through your agent for traditional publishing, most legitimate publishers don't deal with the author directly.

That presupposes the OP has an agent.

I've been traditionally published in the past and didn't have one until recently.

[TaniAliya]

As this is a traditional publication forum, I assumed I didn't have to say much. A traditional (independent, not the Big Five) publisher has accepted my novel - no agent - but has yet to give me the contract. The last thing I heard was 'I'll get a contract going.' I know the publisher has been around for quite a few years and there are no issues with it as such.

So, the question again is, what is a decent time from acceptance (we want to publish) for me to start chasing this publisher?

A contract with whom and for what?

I'm afraid we're going to need more specifics than what you've given here.

[Cephus]

That presupposes the OP has an agent.

I've been traditionally published in the past and didn't have one until recently.

That's why I said "typically".

[TaniAliya]

You did, and I understood that. Indeed I know that. However, my question was not about agents.

That's why I said "typically".

[TKent]

Unless the publisher gave you a date in the future, I would reach out in the next week or so and follow-up and just ask when they'd be sending contract. Most small publishers have limited staff so sometimes a respectful, non-agressive nudge/poke helps. And at least you get a timeframe established. Congrats!

[TaniAliya]

Thank you TKent. I'll take your advice. Perhaps a little later in January when the world wakes from its festive torpor, I'll drop the publisher a carefully worded, polite line. Ta.

QUOTE=TKent;2322796]Unless the publisher gave you a date in the future, I would reach out in the next week or so and follow-up and just ask when they'd be sending contract. Most small publishers have limited staff so sometimes a respectful, non-agressive nudge/poke helps. And at least you get a timeframe established. Congrats![/QUOTE]