Release of Book 5

[Federico]

He handed in the final manuscript in late April and it was published in mid July. Of the same year.

This to me nails the heart of the OP's question. Thank you LordStoneHeart.

I'm skeptical that the publishers forced GRRM to release book 5, but I wouldn't bet the farm against it. But book 6 is different. As we approach season 5 on HBO, the US Congress and the Supreme Court couldn't force GRRM to release a grocery list. He is in total control!

So as LordStoneHeart and the OP put it, after GRRM decides the manuscript is final, then the publisher will do what it must and then we'll get our copies when they're done. Now, LordStoneHeart basically said the publishers need three months to get books into our hands. No offense to him. But if old timers here have recollections suggesting longer or shorter, I'd like to read them. I think it ridiculous to speculate as to when GRRM says the manuscript is done. However, the time from then to when we get the books, that's far more predictable.

Cheers

Fed