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Inside Book Publishing
Now fully revised and updated for its sixth edition, Inside Book Publishing is the classic introduction to the book publishing industry.
Giles Clark and Angus Phillips offer authoritative coverage of all sectors of the industry, from commercial fiction and non-fiction to educational publishing and academic journals. They reveal how publishers continue to adapt to a fast-changing and highly interconnected world, in which printed books have proved resilient alongside ebooks and the growth of audio. Major themes are explored, including the development of digital products and the use of social media in book marketing, as well as those that affect publishers’ businesses, such as the rise of internet retailing; rental models for student textbooks; and open access, where academic content is free to the user. Case studies from industry experts give fascinating perspectives on topics such as crowdfunding, self-publishing and how authors can market themselves. The book provides excellent overviews of the main aspects of the publishing commissioning authors, product development, design and production, marketing, sales and distribution.
As a manual for those in the profession and a guide for the potential publishers of the future, Inside Book Publishing remains a seminal work for anyone with an interest in the industry. It will also be of interest to authors seeking an insider’s view of this exciting industry.
Giles Clark and Angus Phillips offer authoritative coverage of all sectors of the industry, from commercial fiction and non-fiction to educational publishing and academic journals. They reveal how publishers continue to adapt to a fast-changing and highly interconnected world, in which printed books have proved resilient alongside ebooks and the growth of audio. Major themes are explored, including the development of digital products and the use of social media in book marketing, as well as those that affect publishers’ businesses, such as the rise of internet retailing; rental models for student textbooks; and open access, where academic content is free to the user. Case studies from industry experts give fascinating perspectives on topics such as crowdfunding, self-publishing and how authors can market themselves. The book provides excellent overviews of the main aspects of the publishing commissioning authors, product development, design and production, marketing, sales and distribution.
As a manual for those in the profession and a guide for the potential publishers of the future, Inside Book Publishing remains a seminal work for anyone with an interest in the industry. It will also be of interest to authors seeking an insider’s view of this exciting industry.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1988
8 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 18, 2025
3.25 ⭐️ I read this one for my thesis as well, and it had some very interesting facts that I will use. Although again it doesn’t really tackle the environnemental impact as much as I hoped it would.
April 18, 2024
Disclaimer: I admit, I skimmed a lot.
Overall, it was a good book, containing a lot of valuable information about publishing - as a profession and as a process. Sometimes it went way too deep into very particular specifics of the UK and the US markets, with graphs and numbers that I couldn't make the sense of even if I was interested in them. It is, however, worth mentioning, that I read it from a persepctive of a possible author or maybe editor, with less attention to marketing, distribution and profit calculation.
The information I did find useful was there in abundance: the personal experiences of authors, and case studies of real-life examples really brought the concepts home. Constant repetition of the most important tips for success is also a nice thread to follow - good media presence, "marketability" of an author, high-risk involved...
It is a kind of book you have on your shelf and you consult when the right time comes. Maybe now I am not very much interested in book distribution, but later on it might be just what I need.
Overall, it was a good book, containing a lot of valuable information about publishing - as a profession and as a process. Sometimes it went way too deep into very particular specifics of the UK and the US markets, with graphs and numbers that I couldn't make the sense of even if I was interested in them. It is, however, worth mentioning, that I read it from a persepctive of a possible author or maybe editor, with less attention to marketing, distribution and profit calculation.
The information I did find useful was there in abundance: the personal experiences of authors, and case studies of real-life examples really brought the concepts home. Constant repetition of the most important tips for success is also a nice thread to follow - good media presence, "marketability" of an author, high-risk involved...
It is a kind of book you have on your shelf and you consult when the right time comes. Maybe now I am not very much interested in book distribution, but later on it might be just what I need.
January 2, 2024
This book graces you with a thorough insight into the publishing process. It covers a lot of topics from basics of publishing trade and trends to marketing, sales and even self-publishing. It provides PLENTY of content as well as a variety of online resources and useful paperbacks.
You also get to hear professionals’ point of view and opinions of published authors. They share their experiences and thoughts on how it all went for them, which made this book look human rather than scientific.
You also get to hear professionals’ point of view and opinions of published authors. They share their experiences and thoughts on how it all went for them, which made this book look human rather than scientific.
December 4, 2020
Really useful for anyone studying or looking to get into publishing. The top text I’d recommend! Goes through the whole book cycle/every role and explains stuff clearly.
February 12, 2017
Very good book, thoroughly described the publishing industry, esp. with a focus on UK. Very updated. Even with a "getting into publishing" chapter in the end.
October 27, 2014
Fantastic guide to the publishing industry. I owned a previous edition, purchased when I started my MA in Publishing at Oxford Brookes, but so much has changed over the past couple of years I recently bought the updated edition. A fantastic start for anyone studying publishing, or for authors who want to understand the inner workings of the industry.
January 30, 2018
I have now been working in publishing for a year, but I still keep this book in my drawer at work. It is such a useful insight into how a book is produced, published and promoted - essential reading for anyone wanting to break into the industry.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews