Amazon.co.uk originally had the publication date for the book as February 1st, 2003 but the book itself has yet to appear. Philip Pullman told the Evening Standard in January 2003 that the book has been delayed and that "my publisher has been waiting for it with exemplary patience. I should have finished it 18 months ago and I hope to get a good run at it in the new year."

While the real publication date is unknown at this point, the book will probably be published in 2004.