Q: How long until your book was published?

I'm now at 72 hours+ at waiting. Just like you I'm frustrated because everything was finished at Amazon within about 6 hours of my submission. Personally, I believe that if Apple wants to play with the big boys it needs to put on its big boy pants and obtain a turnaround time that's at least as good as Amazon. It feels like iBooks is just a hobby.

Further, if someone buys a Kindle book, they can read it on just about every device in the world--unlike iBooks that can only be read on iOS devices and Mac OS 10.9 computers. You would think that Apple would want to try harder because of that.

Their turn around time has improved over time, but one week is quite common and it can go longer too. So, be prepared for it if you plan to publish more Especially if you plan any marketing around books being available on iTunes store.

It really begs the question as to what Apple is doing compared to what Amazon does. Or, why can Amazon do in a few hours what it takes Apple a week or more to do? Even though I've been a Mac person since the 1984 128K Mac, I've got to say it's a lot easier working with Amazon.

My last book took 9 working days with a weekend in the  middle!

In a newsletter, they advised that  emails will be sent  to advise  your book is  cleared and instore....  never had one yet!

If in doubt, keep checking your iTunesConnect > Manage your Content

My book was published in one week. I checked last night and it was "on 51 stores."

My first MultiTouch book was approved in 24 hours. But it was a short picture book. My second, much longer work, submitted on March 14, includes over 100 illustrations, multiple galleries, music, animations...and 60,000 words! I made some really dumb errors in iTunes Producer during the submission stage that required the team at Apple to help. I was in contact with four different professionals on their support team this past weekend via e-mail - all at different levels in their hierarchy. I was straightened out by Sunday afternoon PST so technically my submission date is March 16th. My experience with the folks at Apple so far has been nothing less than amazing. Sterling Customer Support.

One day later...I'm checking status every hour. Of course, I have always been an optimist :-)

I'm at 48 hours on my first book, and counting and frequently re-checking. 

Question: I looked at my iTunes Connect account under "Manage your books" as recommended and I see.... nothing useful.  A little red light under my book that says "not in 51 stores".  Not very informative. Those of you with more experience - does that mean something's actively wrong, or just that it hasn't been approved yet?

MargoV: No, nothing is wrong. You just have to wait and you have to keep checking because you won't receive a confirmation email message. It took about a week for my book (a month ago).

As "we" have  advised... patience is needed to allow the review team to assess your book.

IF it takes longer than 14  working days.... they do not work weekends - than you need to contact iBooks support.

ONLY after you  open your iTunesConnect  - Manage your Books and also check - iTunesConnect  > TICKET HISTORY... your book may have  been issued a ticket to advise  changes are required.

Apple did  send out emails to advise that  book status  would be advised by email.... I have  yet to  get one after  adding 2 new books to my list!

Just a quick update on my post from above. My pub date was March 16th and it was approved today! That's 4 days!

It took seven days from the submission of my first iBook to it's appearance on the iTuns store. My second and third iBooks took roughly the same length of time.

And mine is now up - one week plus one day!  Thanks for the moral support, y'all!