I've been submitting some pictures to publishers.  Got my share of rejection letters and a couple acceptance letters.  One thing I'm trying to figure out is how to contact everyone without it taking 50 years.  Many publishers ask for exclusives.  I don't want to create a situation by submitting the same pictures to multiple publishers at the same time.

A few have listed how long it will take them to contact you.   I've seen as few  as 2 days (it took them 8 days) to a month in their guidelines.  Many don't list how long you should wait.  I've heard back a day later, weeks later or never from some.

What's a good time to wait for a response before submitting to a new publisher?

5 minutes

I've been working as a magazine photographer for many years, shooting models and submitting layouts to editors, art-directors, and publishers.

The average length of time it takes for me to get a response varies from a couple of weeks to in some cases as long as a year or more.

The factors involved in deciding if a layout should be published might depend on when the last time a similar layout was published, or if there was a need for a brunette, redhead or blonde model, or if the images had a theme that might relate to the time of year or holiday.

Basically, there is little that makes sense as to why sometimes you get a layout sold right away, or end up waiting a long time.

Most of the photographers that are in my business will set up a hidden webpage with a layout of photos on it, and send the link to several editors at the same time.  First come, first served, in most cases.  If another magazine wants a layout that was already sold, you just inform them that the photos are no longer available. That tends to get faster responses in the future.

KM