Today, with the many technological advances that have come with
computers and the Internet, it is easier than ever before to learn how
to start a publishing company. Knowing how to start a publishing company
and the steps involved in taking a book from idea to publication is an
important way to communicate ideas in the world. Follow these steps to
learn how to start a publishing company.
1. Create a name for your publishing company. Once you
have come up with a catchy name, develop a logo design, which will
represent your company on all marketing pieces, including business
cards, stationary, e-mail marketing pieces, and your website.
2. Create a business plan and philosophy for your company;
this is a critical step in really knowing how to start a publishing
company.
- Most successful publishing companies specialize in a certain type of
book (e.g., books on spirituality, on self-improvement, children's
books, romance novels, and UFO and science books). Having a niche in the
marketplace is an important aspect of knowing how to start a publishing
company.
3. Research the local requirements for setting up a business
in your area, including any licenses required and taxes on small
businesses.
4. Find a reputable printing company that knows how to print and physically put a book together on a budget.
5. Find manuscripts that are worth publishing via literary agents and open submissions.
6. Find a talented graphic designer who can prepare a book
for printing using a publishing software program like Quarkxpress, Adobe
Framemaker, or Adobe InDesign.
7. Find a good editor and proofreader to thoroughly review manuscripts before publication. Typos and bad writing are the mark of an amateur � all materials must be proofed and corrected before publication.
8. Submit an application to the Copyright Office for a copyright for any original manuscripts
9. Apply for ISBN (International Standard Book Numbers) numbers from the United States ISBN Agency. Once a new book has been given an ISBN, the book title, with ISBN, should be registered at www.bowkerlink.com or www.isbn.org
10. Sign up with a reputable book distribution company.
Book distribution companies work with publishers to get books into the
marketplace, placing your books in bookstores and libraries. Today there
are many options for book distribution, including e-publishing (Kindle
or Nook), and print on demand for smaller runs of books.
11. Market the book using various forms of publicity,
including e-mail marketing, websites, book reviews, and radio and TV
publicity. Enlist the author as part of the promotional effort.
Don't discount the power of an online e-mail marketing campaign--it's an
inexpensive and effective way to promote.
Tips:
- Book covers should be designed by an experienced graphic designer
using a graphics program, like Bookcoverpro, that integrates design,
typeface, and illustration.
- Consider using an outside company for book order fulfillment so you
don't have to rent storage/warehouse space for books. Many book
distributors now offer this service. It is worth considering, as it
allows a small publisher to work from a home office.
- Attend the BookExpo America (BEA) publishing convention, which is
held once a year. All the major players in the publishing world attend
this convention, and it's a great way to network with every strata of
the publishing world.
- Many publicists specialize in promoting books. Though they can be expensive, a good publicist is usually worth the cost.
- Many books are now published overseas to save on costs.
Warnings:
- Run the numbers and do a comparison on printing costs before
committing a book to print. Many printers require a run of at least
2,000 books. Print on demand is an option that allows you to print a
book for a limited audience, but the cost per book is high. Take a hard
look at your book's sales potential before committing to a printing
choice.
- Research the distributor who will handle your books before signing
with them. Make sure it is a reputable company that pays its bills on
time.
