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The Book Publisher's Handbook: The Seven Keys to Publishing Success With Six Case Studies
Are you ready to be a publisher? Do you have all the keys? Now that you have made the decision to become a publisher, you must take the reins. You are the maestro, the coach, and the head cheerleader. To understand your new role, it is essential that you understand each key, each step of the process.No publisher should be without this highly readable, nuts-and-bolts guide to the ins and outs of book publishing. The Midpoint team has more than a century of combined book publishing experience, which will prove invaluable to all publishers, from seasoned professionals to those new to the game. The book concisely discusses the editorial process, design, printing, pricing, sales and distribution, marketing and publicity. It also includes success stories from authors, publishers, and others in the industry who relate the strategies that helped them rocket their books to bestseller status.After you have learned the elements of your trade, you will be prepared to take on the turbulent and challenging world of book publishing.
168 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2007
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 11, 2011
I picked up a copy of this book at a writers conference a few years ago. Now that I'm publishing a book, the content is more relevant than before.
Despite the title, Kampmann lists only six points:
1. No book should be published without editorial input and direction.
This one is patently self-obvious, and yet it's violated all the time. I have no patience for books written by established authors and/or produced by mainstream publishing houses that have obvious, glaring grammatical or logical flaws, or ommissions or unsupported claims--and only limited patience when newbies are involved.
2. Weak or inappropriate design (including the back cover copy) can prevent a good book from even being considered.
Again, pretty obvious.
3. Use a reputable printer and print the right quantity.
4. The book's retail price must cover the costs and be competitive with other books.
He mentions various formulas but finally says the best approach is to ask sales reps for their opinions. The discussion here sounds remarkably similar to what I've heard about pricing real estate.
5. You need a working plan for reaching the trade book marketplace.
Retailers expect publishers to use distributors as the way into their stores, and distributors can also play a big role in convincing stores to stock a given title (for a 20-30% cut). Regarding my own book, I'm reasonably confident of having addressed items 1 - 4, but here is where things become interesting. Kampmann is president of one of the companies providing distribution, and I was originally under the impression that he wanted to handle my title. Unexplained behavior on his part was my first clue that distribution might be trickier than expected. (I finally landed with PPG.)
6. The marketing of every book requires original thought.
Like item 5, this topic is critical and not so obvious. Kampmann has interesting things to say about targeting and connecting with your book's audience. This part I will read again, probably several times.
Despite the title, Kampmann lists only six points:
1. No book should be published without editorial input and direction.
This one is patently self-obvious, and yet it's violated all the time. I have no patience for books written by established authors and/or produced by mainstream publishing houses that have obvious, glaring grammatical or logical flaws, or ommissions or unsupported claims--and only limited patience when newbies are involved.
2. Weak or inappropriate design (including the back cover copy) can prevent a good book from even being considered.
Again, pretty obvious.
3. Use a reputable printer and print the right quantity.
4. The book's retail price must cover the costs and be competitive with other books.
He mentions various formulas but finally says the best approach is to ask sales reps for their opinions. The discussion here sounds remarkably similar to what I've heard about pricing real estate.
5. You need a working plan for reaching the trade book marketplace.
Retailers expect publishers to use distributors as the way into their stores, and distributors can also play a big role in convincing stores to stock a given title (for a 20-30% cut). Regarding my own book, I'm reasonably confident of having addressed items 1 - 4, but here is where things become interesting. Kampmann is president of one of the companies providing distribution, and I was originally under the impression that he wanted to handle my title. Unexplained behavior on his part was my first clue that distribution might be trickier than expected. (I finally landed with PPG.)
6. The marketing of every book requires original thought.
Like item 5, this topic is critical and not so obvious. Kampmann has interesting things to say about targeting and connecting with your book's audience. This part I will read again, probably several times.
September 28, 2008
Top flight information about publishing from someone who has been in the business since the mid-1970s.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews