Submissions are reviewed by a team of editors. If you have a marketable idea, you may hear soon by phone. Because it is a collaborative process with input from editorial, sales, licensing and promotion, you may be asked to revise your submission before a contract is discussed. Development time can stretch from a few months to two years at some syndicates. You'll want to review it carefully and possibly seek advice.
Syndication differs from freelancing, contract work or a staff position as a writer.
Syndication to the national daily newspapers has never been more challenging as newspaper editors grapple with reduced newsholes and tighter financial budgets. TMS receives about 200 submissions from writers and creators every week, or 10,000 annually. TMS launches about one dozen new features each year. Because of the sheer volume of submissions, you are likely to get a form letter. Some of the most successfully syndicated artists today were rejected early in their careers many times.