I think a month on a map including beta testings, revisions, and rebuilds is not too much to ask.
I should be one to talk, eh?
The BIGGEST thing is to LISTEN to what the important people have to say (Jitspoe, DirtyTaco, etc... reading the forums will show who they are).
AND LEARN FROM WHAT THEY SAY.
I am willing to give anyone any of my .map files from any map i've made (that I still have the .map of) for reference and learning. BSP mappers only I guess.