How the editorial process works

So you’ve reached the amazing stage where someone wants to publish your book. You’re excited, you’re nervous, you’ve finally been able to tell your friends and family without panicking that you’ll somehow jinx it and your publisher will call you to tell you that actually, sorry, this whole thing has been a strangely elaborate joke. You’ve signed your contract, and you’re raring to go.

But now what happens?

I think a lot of writers still don’t know what does happen next, after you’ve jumped th...