Sometimes we go back to the author suggesting certain modifications, such as a reduction in size or inclusion of multicultural elements. If the group fails to approve the project, it is rejected. Depending on the editor's workload and the number of standard terms that must be adjusted, this may take a few weeks. Deviations from standard terms must be negotiated with the editor and approved by ALA's Publishing Department director. The sponsoring editor works with the author to assure that the project delivers its promised values to the intended market and is competitive with similar titles.
Experienced editors help fine-tune the structure, approach, and usefulness of a product.
Book publishing seems to take such a long time. ALA Edition's books go through scores of exacting editorial and production processes, which is why they are worthy of the name and the values we attribute to books. The usual allowance in publishing is six to twelve months between submission and publication. At ALA Editions the normal cycle is seven to ten months after a satisfactory manuscript is received. We often produce fast-track projects in a shorter span.