Understanding the Different Types of Publishers and the roles they play

Choosing the right publisher is one of the most important decisions an author can make. You have labored to come up with your book and now you are at the final stages to finally have a product that your audience can get their hands on. 

Sadly, many authors do not fully realize all of the options available to them when it comes to getting their book published. Understanding the various publishing paths available can be the key to a successful book launch and this is what we will cover today.

Determining your publisher of choice

Traditional publishers are large companies with a long track record in publishing books that have been picked up by agents and accepted for publication. These publishers offer authors advances against royalties, cover design, editing services, marketing efforts and international distribution channels — but they also take ownership of copyright and control over content and design decisions.

Independent publishers are typically smaller companies that take on some of the same tasks as traditional publishers but often cater to specific audiences or genres. These may be local or regional presses with a particular focus or interest in certain topics or projects. They may provide some level of editorial services and work closely with authors to shape their books.

Self-publishing has become increasingly popular over time as technology has made it easier for authors to produce high-quality books without relying on traditional publishers for assistance. Self-published books do not require approval from an editor or agent before going print, leaving authors with more control over timing. The authors however incur expenses related to design, printing, marketing and distribution efforts which might otherwise be handled by a publisher. The most appealing part of self-publishing is maintaining full creative control, distribution, and control of rights. . 

Hybrid publishing combines elements from both traditional publishing houses and self-publishing options by offering professional services like editing and cover design for an upfront fee along with higher royalty rates than most traditional deals offer. Hybrid publishers generally work with vetted authors who have already created polished manuscripts ready for publication. It’s imperative that authors are careful when choosing this option, many companies will charge authors outrageous prices for printed copies of their book, and will not provide them with their files, or access to their distribution platforms. 

Upload your book to a distribution platform 

Amazon KDP and IngramSpark have grown to become popular digital book distribution platforms among self-published authors today. 

Amazon KDP

Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) allows authors to publish their books as eBooks or print books through Amazon’s Kindle store. Authors can self-publish both digital and physical copies of their books. Additionally, authors can control pricing, distribution, and make changes to their manuscripts at any time.

IngramSpark

IngramSpark on the other hand is a platform that also distributes digital and physical copies of books to retailers as well as libraries throughout the world. Authors retain complete control over rights and royalties for titles published through IngramSpark and also benefit from having access to analytics related to sales performance to better understand the sales.

Once an author has selected a distribution channel, the next step is to upload their book to a distribution platform. Around these parts we use both Amazon KDP and IngramSpark. 

When deciding where to upload a book, it is important to consider the audience and the markets in which the book will be distributed. You want to research each platform’s terms of service and pricing structure to ensure you fully understand the agreement before signing up.

Consider any special features or services each platform provides to determine which one best meets your needs. This information can help you adjust your marketing strategies accordingly to maximize reach and increase potential earnings.

Ultimately, deciding where to upload a book is an individual decision that depends on each author’s particular needs and goals. Taking the time to understand all of the options available can help authors make an informed decision about how their books are distributed.

Are you a published impact-driven author with a published book looking to grow your business without a huge following on social media, but by targeting organizations and selling your book in bulk? Let’s set up a time to discuss your goals today.