What is the difference between a publisher and a printing company?

With so many new writers participating in the process of making books, it’s natural that there is confusion about the roles of printers and publishers. Who does what? Many people come in to The Troy Book Makers assuming we will comment on their content, or have a vested interest in the number of books they sell. Not so! Printers and publishers serve different functions. Here are a few key differences:

Printers print.
Printers have machines on premise that print the actual book, then bind and trim them. Publishers don’t.

Printers make their money from printing and binding, not from sales of your book.
Publishers have a more vested interest in how many of your books sell. They get a cut!

Printers don’t distribute or warehouse your book. Publishers do.
For self-publishers, the author is responsible for receiving the print run, determining a sales and marketing strategy, having a place where customers can purchase the book (either online or physical location), and then fulfilling orders (envelopes and postage). Publishers, on the other hand, have relationships with distributors and warehouses, each of whom gets paid by the publisher for services performed.

Printers do not assume responsibility for content. Printers are ready to print!
Publishers, however, can take 3, 6, 12 months–or longer–before they are done reviewing, copyediting, designing, and preparing your manuscript for print. There are standards (grammatical and content-based) their books are expected to maintain. For example, a publisher might hire a copy editor to ensure that the text grammatically adheres to a certain style, say The Chicago Manual of Style. The publisher pays for this service. It’s part of their process, and also part of the reason authors will see a smaller percentage of the cover price.

And finally, because some printers (like The Troy Book Makers) cater primarily to self-publishers, they also offer an array of services, which differentiates them from the local print shop that does posters, flyers, and brochures. Services may include an ISBN and barcode, marketing or copyediting services, even preparation of your files for e-readers.

It is definitely a more crowded landscape, so think about what it is you want to accomplish as an author and/ or self-publisher, do your research, consider your budget, and best of luck achieving your goals!

In the world of books and literature, certain terms can sometimes cause confusion. Two such terms that often lead to questions are “publishing” and “publisher.”

While they may sound similar, they represent different aspects of the book industry.

In this article, we will demystify the difference between publishing and publisher, helping authors understand their distinct roles and significance.

Let’s dive in and explore the nuances!

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What is Publishing?

Publishing refers to the overall process of bringing a book or written work to the public.

It encompasses a range of activities and stages involved in transforming a manuscript into a finished product available for readers.

Here are some of the key aspects of publishing:

1. Editorial Process: Publishing involves various editorial processes, including manuscript evaluation, content editing, copyediting, and proofreading. These stages ensure the manuscript is polished, refined, and meets industry standards.
2. Design and Production: Publishers handle the design and production aspects of a book. This includes cover design, interior layout, typesetting, formatting, and selecting appropriate fonts. Publishers aim to create an aesthetically pleasing and reader-friendly final product.
3. Printing and Distribution: Publishers are responsible for coordinating the printing and distribution of books. They work with printing companies to produce physical copies of the book and manage the logistics of delivering books to distributors, retailers, and online platforms.
4. Marketing and Promotion: Publishing involves marketing and promotion to create awareness and generate interest in the book. Publishers employ various strategies such as advertising, public relations, book tours, online promotion, and collaborations to reach the target audience and maximize book sales.

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What is a Publisher?

A publisher is an individual or a company that specializes in the business of publishing books. Publishers play a pivotal role in the publishing process and serve as the bridge between authors and readers.

Here are the key characteristics of a publisher:

1. Acquisition and Selection: Publishers acquire manuscripts from authors through different channels, such as direct submissions, literary agents, or in-house editors. They evaluate the manuscripts based on their quality, market potential, and alignment with the publisher’s editorial focus. Publishers decide which books to publish and invest their resources in.
2. Financial and Legal Aspects: Publishers bear the financial responsibility of publishing a book. This includes funding editorial services, cover design, printing, marketing efforts, and distribution. They also handle legal matters such as contracts, copyright registration, and securing necessary permissions.
3. Professional Expertise: Publishers have industry expertise and knowledge of market trends. They understand readers’ preferences, genre-specific demands, and market dynamics. Publishers utilize their experience and market insights to guide authors through the publishing process and make informed decisions.
4. Branding and Reputation: Publishers build their brand and reputation based on the quality of the books they publish. A publisher’s name and reputation can influence readers’ perceptions and impact a book’s market reception. Authors often seek publishers with established credibility and a track record of successful titles.

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Conclusion

In summary, publishing and publisher represent different aspects of the book industry. Publishing encompasses the entire process of transforming a manuscript into a finished book, including editing, design, production, printing, distribution, and marketing. On the other hand, a publisher is an entity or individual responsible for acquiring, financing, and overseeing the publication process. Publishers bring expertise, financial resources, and market knowledge to the table, collaborating with authors to bring their work to readers.

Understanding the distinction between publishing and publisher empowers authors to navigate the publishing landscape with clarity. Whether you choose to work with a traditional publisher, self-publish, or explore alternative publishing routes, being well-informed about the roles and responsibilities involved will help you make informed decisions about your book’s journey. Happy writing and publishing!

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