: Re: As a new author, is it possible to sell a book to a publisher within one or two weeks after you've finished writing it? I know it normally takes several months to get an agent and then

@Caterina108

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An answer you'll like, then one you won't.

If they like your opening chapters then an agent will often get back to you asking for a full manuscript within days, rather than weeks.

Follwing that, if they like the full manuscript then they are likely to want to sign you asap, before someone else snaps you up.

However, once you are signed, there's no reason your book will move any faster from agent to publishing deal - unless you're writing about something that is extremely time sensitive - say a book with a unique scoop about the latest accusations of corruption for a major public figure (though I'm sure I can't think of any of those).

You could go directly to the publisher

Talent rises to the top, so if your novel is exceptional then a publisher may well sign you directly, which could cut out the whole agent process. Beware though, there's a reason people have agents - to ensure they are represented fairly and get a good deal.

Self publishing

When you say 'sell a book' it's unclear whether your motivation is money or publication. If your main aim is to just get your work in front of hungry reader eyes as quickly as possible, then self-publishing might be the best route. It will be far faster than the traditional route.

Shortcuts

Your question puts me in mind of this classic quote from Pinky and the Brain: "We don't want a get-rich-quick-scheme, we just need a lot of money - fast."

There is a reason these things take as long as they do, and everybody would bypass slowdowns if they could. You may have to accept that unless you really are unarguably a genius of prose, you're probably going to have to pay your dues like everyone else.

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