Pullman had originally said the book would probably be finished in 2015 and published the year after, but since announced that it was more likely for it to be published in late 2016. In July 2016, he described the book as "now well on the way to a conclusion". In December 2016, Pullman stated that the book would be released in the end of 2017, probably. Pullman had also made an oath not to cut his hair until the completion of the book, a promise he somewhat regrets, although it may have spurred on progress.