Trying to understand the world of publishing can feel like a new language. Queries and betas and blurbs, oh my! Those of us trying to get published get thrown in the metaphorical deep end, doggy paddling until we learn enough to follow all the rules--and know when to break them. But I've found my friends and family have no idea what I'm going through, or how long the process takes. I want people to celebrate the accomplishment that getting a full request is without thinking they'll find my book on the shelf in a couple months.
With that being said, I hope you'll find this useful in understanding what your loved one is getting into (or what you might face yourself) as we jump into the world of publishing.