What is Book Publishing? Importance of Need of Book Publishers

Do you want to sell your own book? We live in exciting times, as once services only a handful have are now in reach of almost everyone. That includes selling your books. If you’re an aspiring author ready to flip the world over with your stories, then the present is the best time to do so. In 2023, the US recorded around 49,000 authors and writers. That’s 9,000 more writers compared to 2011 due to the age of digitization.  

But even though your stories have the potential of making bank, how can you do so? Well, that’s the reason you need to learn about the publishing process. If you’re wondering what is book publishing, then you’re at the right place. 

This guide here will provide details on what to expect from a publisher and the types of book publishing processes they follow. Additionally, the blog will also offer insight into the process to follow to get your book published. If you stay long enough, then we will also share some great publishing tips to quickly get your written manuscript to store shelves.

What is Book Publishing?

Let’s answer the question most of you are here for. We often hear the term publishing when it comes to selling your book, but what exactly is it? Well, book publishing is a broad term that summarizes most of the book creation process. Book publishing refers to turning your manuscript into a full-fledged, sellable book. 

For a more precise definition, publishing involves compiling information into a book and making it accessible to the general public. When you’re done with the manuscript, the next most crucial aspect is the publishing itself. It usually involves getting in touch with a book publisher or becoming one to get your book to your desired audience. 

What Do Book Publishers Do?

Now that you’re clear on what is book publishing let’s talk about the roles of a book publisher. Here’s what you can expect from them:

• Acquisition and Editing: Third-party publishers often survey several manuscripts to find the select few that possess the most potential of making a bank. In addition, they may also work alongside the author to refine the manuscript or hire someone else to do it.  

• Book Design: The publisher also needs to take care of the design aspect of the book. This includes planning the layout, font, illustration, and cover design, which are all vital factors in improving the reader experience.

• Marketing and Distribution: Once your manuscript transforms into a complete book, the publisher is also responsible for marketing your book to expand its reach. This includes utilizing digital platforms like social media and author websites to create awareness. They will also appoint distribution channels to ensure readers can easily purchase the book. 

• Financial Management: The last aspect that book publishers are responsible for is handling the budget of the overall process. Working on a fixed budget, they will need to smartly manage all the costs associated with publishing to ensure publishing leads to profit. 

Types of Book Publishing:

The book publishing process isn’t set in stone; there are multiple ways to go about the process. Apart from learning what book publishing is, let’s learn the book publishing type based on the publisher:

1. Traditional Publishing:

If a publishing house or agent takes the duties of the book publisher, then it falls under traditional publishing. It means the publishing company or agent is responsible for everything, from editing to distribution and management. 

In most instances, the publisher buys the right to the book from the author and is often left with a small portion of royalties they get from the book sales. Here are a few things to keep in mind about traditional publishing:

Benefits:

• Authors get payment for the book before it hits the market.
• The publisher is the one that assumes all financial risk, so the author doesn’t have to worry about the book’s success or failure. 
• As traditional publishing channels can get your book to various retail stores and libraries, it often benefits authors with little recognition. 
• Authors that go for traditional publishing only need to concern themselves with writing the manuscript, which can be made even easier if a professional ghostwriter is involved.

Drawbacks:

• Writers don’t make much if the book turns out to be a success.
• Once the author signs the contract with the publishing house, they lose all rights to their book, so they won’t have much freedom regarding what the publishing house does with their book.  
• Traditional publishers generally scout for a handpicked few. So, a large number of authors will face rejection. 

2. Self-Publishing:

On the other hand, self-publishing focuses on how the writer or author of the book manages the publishing process. This means the writer will have to be responsible for editing, designing, marketing, and distribution. This publishing type gives free rein on how the author wants to proceed with publishing and the complete ownership of the book. The author has two ways to turn their manuscript into a full-fledged book in this type.

1. By assigning different publishing roles to freelanceers
2. Or hire a self-publishing company to handle all the publishing aspects themselves.

Although a self-publishing company works similarly to a publishing house, they work to provide a service to the author rather than try to buy the rights to the book. With a self-publisher, you still retain complete ownership of the book once it gets published. 

Benefits:

• The book is the author’s intellectual property. You make a profit on every book sale.
• Self-publishing offers more freedom to the author. They have more control over the different phases of publishing. 
• The author can manage their resources more effectively to make their book successful.

Drawbacks

• It might not be suited for new writers who are still trying to make a name for themselves in the literary world. 
• It can become stressful to manage, especially when you’re working with freelancers.
• The author will only make revenue if their book turns out to be a success. 

How to Publish a Book with a Publisher?

Now you know what is book publishing and its types. If you’re wondering how to go about with these publishings with different types of book publishers and how to publish a book with a publisher? , then here’s a rundown of what you need to do:

1. Start with the Manuscript:

Before you even think about publishing, make sure you’re done with the book’s manuscript, especially if you’re going for self-publishing. This includes creating the draft as well as refining it till it’s ready for the next phase. If you are considering traditional publishing, then be sure your manuscript is complete, whether it’s a novel or memoir. 

A complete story will help in the next phase of the publishing process, which we’ll talk more about later. If you’re writing a non-fiction book, then you could consider writing a book proposal before working on the final manuscript to propose to the publisher. 

2. Pitching it to an Agent or Publisher: 

Once you complete the manuscript, if you aim for traditional publishing, then you must pursue literary agents to get it published. Writers don’t usually interact with the publisher directly. Agents are usually individuals who work to bridge the gap between the writer and major publishing house. 

So, rather than waste your efforts in contacting a publishing house, get in touch with a literary agent. When choosing a literary agent, consider professionalism, experience, and knowledge. The best way is to do your research and learn more about who they are. Use search engines to collect info about them before contacting them. Once you have a handful of agents, submit them a manuscript based on their guidelines. This could be something along the lines of:

• The first three chapters of the manuscript.
• Short query letter detailing any questions you might have about the agent.
• A synopsis of the book.

Now, an agent is somewhat of a middleman, even if they’re around to deal with the publisher, which doesn’t exactly guarantee publishing approval. Rejections are quite common in this line of work. Even J.K Rowling, a world-renowned masterclass author, suffered her fair share of rejections with her book series, Harry Potter before it became a global success. So, make sure to pitch it well and be extra ready to handle a lot of closed doors. 

3. Deciding on Independent Self-Publishing or Hiring a Service

If you choose self-publishing as your publishing route, then you should seek out a self-publishing company or have a team of freelancers. Self-publishers are more relaxed, and they communicate directly with the writer rather than have an agent. The main question people ask, apart from what is book publishing and the types, is how to find the right company. In the case of self-publishing, you should consider the experience, expertise, past projects, and references to evaluate if the self-publisher is a good fit. 

If it’s a self-publisher you’re looking for, consider AMZ Self for guidance. They have an expert team that is always ready to cater to any task required to get your book ready for launch. From experienced editors, cover designers, and marketers, you’ll have the dream team to make your book a success. Get in touch to learn more about us. 

4. Deciding on Print Production Method:

The production method is another thing to talk about when dealing with how to publish a book with a publisher. Apart from traditional paper printing, the rise in technology has also improved the production method and channels. Here are a few you should know about:

• Print Publishing: Turning a manuscript into a printed hardcopy. Major publishing houses usually go with this production method to generate book copies.
• ePublishing: Using electronic distributors or retailers to distribute book copies. Self-publishers usually rely on this method, as it is straightforward and easy. The manuscript needs to be prepared, edited, and designed before uploading it on ePublishing platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing, Barnes and Noble, etc. In addition, you may also need to have it in the right format. EPUB or MOBI are both considered the ideal format for sending an eBook for publishing.  

5. Invest in Marketing:

Once your book is about to hit the shelves, it’s the right time to think about marketing strategies. If a traditional publisher is your partner, then they will have control over how to raise awareness for the book. However, if you’re aiming at self-publishing, then you could spearhead book marketing. The factor of your book marketing efforts relies on for its success:

• Book Quality
• Pricing
• Audience Engagement and Visibility

Book quality and pricing are all about how the audience perceives them, but you can make an effort to engage the audience. If you already have a fan following on social media, use it to your advantage, create a buzz around your recent book release, and announce book signing events. In addition, it would also be a great time to launch your own author website if you already don’t want to raise awareness about your book and you as an author.

Final Note:

It seems that we’ve reached the end; we’re hopeful that you got the answer to the question “what is book publishing?” and are more educated on the process that comes with different publishing types. Now that you are equipped with this knowledge, you can decide on the publishing path that best suits your needs and get your masterpiece out there for the world to read.

FAQs

1. What is Book Publishing?

Book publishing is the process of taking a written manuscript and turning it into a finished book that can be sold to readers. It involves a number of steps, including editing, design, marketing, and distribution.

1. Is Self-Publishing Right for Me?

Self-publishing is a good option for authors who are willing to invest time and money into marketing their book and who want to retain creative control over the publishing process. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding whether self-publishing is the right choice for you.

1. How Can I Get Started with Self-Publishing?

There are many resources available to help you get started with self-publishing. Here are a few steps to get you on your way:

1. Edit and revise your manuscript.
2. Design a book cover.
3. Format your book for ebook and print.
4. Choose a self-publishing platform.
5. Set your price and publish your book.
6. Market your book.

1. What are the Benefits of Self-Publishing?

Self-publishing offers authors greater control over the publishing process, including:

• Creative control: You have complete control over the editing, design, and marketing of your book.
• Higher royalties: You can keep a higher percentage of the profits from your book sales.
• Faster publication: Self-publishing can be a much faster way to get your book published than going through traditional channels.