Ask them deep questions about any text to discover response time from the rep, the marketing manager, editor, or author. Be prepared to discuss in detail how your text compares with the competition. Ask your bookstore how often the publisher raises its prices. The answer may be indicative of the strength of the publisher. Send your project to more than one publisher at a time for consideration.
Publishing is a business.
Understand this perspective. The Contract Provide extra time to complete the manuscript. Plan for the unexpected. But once the dates are set do everything you can to abide by them. Don't wait to alert the editor of your pending delay.