We work like crazy to perfect our craft, refine our art and then we begin searching for a home for our words.  There is a lot of information available on getting it written, then writing the perfect cover letter.  There is a lot of information about reading guidelines and targeting an agent or market. 

 

What comes next?  The submissions officer has asked to see the whole manuscript and likes it.  Someone sends a contract.  You read it, sign it.  There are some sites that tell you what to look for in a contract.  Now, what? 

 

Does the same person keep your manuscript?  Do they assign an editor?  How many revisions are going to take place between you and the editor.  Where does the cover come in?  Who does the picking-at-nits editing?  Then what happens?  Who puts the manuscript into different formats for various electronic and print markets?  How much time and human power is involved in what was a once-solitary sport?