Book Publishing

A few definitions

• Whole-copy returnable
• Usually 6"x9" trim size, but can be the same size as mass-market paperback ("rack-size trade paperback")
• Intended for bookstore sales

• Stripped rather than returned
• Usually 4" x 6 3/4" trim size
• Intended for non-bookstore outlets (news stand, grocery store, etc.)
• Distributed in the same way (and often by the same companies) as magazines and newspapers

• A technology
• Converts a digital file to a finished book one at a time using a machine such as a Xerox Docutech
• Low setup cost
• High per-unit cost
• No economy of scale

• A technology
• Uses large presses and photographic plates to create many books rapidly
• High setup cost
• Low per-unit cost
• Major economy of scale

• A business model
• Prints after orders are received
• Usually non-returnable, non-strippable books

• A business model
• Author pays the cost of publication plus a percentage to the publisher
• Publisher has title to the physical books on the day they're printed
• Primarily markets books to their own authors

• A business model
• Author pays the cost of publication
• Author has title to the physical books on the day they're printed
• The author and the publisher are the same person; otherwise the same as commerical publication
• Often used for specialized non-fiction, niche fiction, and poetry

• A business model
• Prints before orders are received
• Returnable/strippable books
• Publisher pays author for rights to publish
• Publisher has title to the physical books on the day they're printed
• Primarily markets books to persons other than the author

Some rules of thumb

• Money flows toward the author
• A useful agent has sold books you've heard of
• A real book publishing company has books that you've seen with your own eyes on the shelves of physical bookstores
• Royalties are based on cover price