It could be. All she's saying is they 'hope' to have the manuscript done by the end of this year, but we don't know the last time she talked to George. As others have said he just got back from about a one month trip and he's now just left again for another long trip so were those trips factored in? Not to mention Football season. Also we know George hasn't always been the best at estimating how long his work will take him.

I think what we can take from the answer is the manuscript will be done 'soon'. hopefully by spring. I'd be nice to be able to read about Dany, Jon and Tyrion again.