If you are considering the pros and cons of starting a small publishing business, you are probably overwhelmed with the time-intensive process that is involved. You have to hire a variety of people and subscribe to various services to help you get your small publishing business off the ground. But actually, when you have a plan set before you, and plenty of information at your fingertips, the process of starting a publishing business isn't as intimidating as you would first think. Here are some pointers.
Step 1
Establish your small publishing business by first applying for an official business license with your state.
Step 2
Purchase small publishing books to educate yourself on the topic of publishing and to familiarize yourself with the industry.
Step 3
Write a detailed business plan related to your small publishing business--how it will be managed, how it will be marketed, and how you will pay for your expenses. You can usually run a small publishing business from your home, so include that in your business plan. Apply for small business loans or seek investors once you figure out what you need to begin operations.
Step 4
Sign up for one of the two main small publishing business associations: Small Publishers Association of North America (SPAN) and the Independent Book Publishers Association (formerly the Publisher's Marketing Association). These publishing associations offer special benefits that all small publishers will probably need at some point.
Step 5
Establish a PO Box and toll-free number to receive communications regarding your new small publishing business.
Step 6
Start off with one title. Have your completed manuscript professionally edited by a skilled proofreader who can catch spelling, grammar, syntax and punctuation errors. If you feel the manuscript needs further work, you can hire a copy editor to make serious changes to the storyline.
Step 7
Hire a layout artist to typeset your finished manuscript and a graphics designer to design the cover of your book. Make sure that they both have a clear understanding of your concept for the book.
Step 8
Search for a reasonably priced book printer who has a good reputation. Request a sample to view work qualit.
Step 9
Send your finished files to the chosen printer and wait for your finished books to be manufactured.
Step 10
Write at least two press releases--one related to your new small publishing business (introducing it to the world) and another one with specific details about your first book. Add a personal and unique story to the press release as this tends to draw more attention to your new business and product.
Step 11
Send galleys (spiral bound copies of the book you can make yourself) of your first book to book reviewers who are likely to be interested in your topic and distributors who would be interested in carrying your title. You need a distributor if you are planning to sell to major retailers and outlets.
Step 12
Receive your books, wait for any reviews to come in, and respond to all inquiries and orders related to your small publishing business in a timely fashion.
Skill: Moderate
Tip: Send your first published book to smaller more targeted book reviewers. Large book reviews like "The New York Times" are swamped with galleys and there is a lower chance of yours getting attention as a brand new small publisher.
If you can't man your own website and phone service to answer inquiries because of work or other commitments, you can hire an independent contractor to take care of these daily duties.
Warning: Don't go with the cheapest printer--sometimes it can cost you more in the long run. If you get a poor quality book that falls apart you could receive mass returns of your book from distributors and customers.
Keyword: publishing
