Do you hope to demystify the publishing process or understand the intricacies of the publishing industry? From publishing a book to marketing it to building a career in the business, these titles cover everything you’ll need to know as an aspiring author or publishing professional. let’s dive!
books on the industry
1. merchants of culture by john b. thomson
You are reading: Books about publishing industry
This is the 101st post class you didn’t know you needed. complete and full of invaluable information, john b. Thompson’s Merchants of Culture looks at the current state of book publishing in the United States and Britain and how it got there. This excellent book is more than just a descriptive effort that chronicles the state of publication – it helps you understand how the industry remains in flux, constantly adapting to the forces that drive it.
2. inside book publishing by giles clark and angus phillips
Focusing on the work of UK publishers, in-house book publishing is an equally valuable introduction to how book publishing works. This is particularly useful for anyone looking to become a book publisher, marketer, seller, or book designer, as Clark and Phillips excel at explaining the different responsibilities associated with each role.
3. before and after courtney maum book deal
This 2020 handbook contains up-to-date advice from some of the most passionate and experienced writers in contemporary publishing, including Roxane Gay, Melissa Phoebus, Garth Greenwell, and Anthony Doerr. From practical business advice to mfa talks and mental health discussions for writers, this fantastic resource provides the industry tips every writer craves.
If you’re a writer without many connections or just feel like you’re missing out on important insider information, this book is the answer to all your questions.
4. book wars by john b.
yeah, we’re taking a double dip in thompson’s well, but it’s worth a read. Delivering excellent information on the current state of publishing, Book Wars investigates the technological challenges facing the book industry in recent years and how publishers have adapted to overcome these difficulties.
Paying special attention to the sale of digital books and e-books, Book Wars is a must-read overview of the present and future of book publishing.
💡 Looking for more book recommendations? Check out our post on the best books on writing!
5. publication for profit by thomas woll and dominique raccah
This comprehensive, academically-minded introduction to publishing is often found on the reading lists of MA publishing courses. However, you don’t need to pay tuition to read this book and learn all about the internal processes of publishers directly from Thomas Woll and Dominique Raccah. On its pages, you’ll find insider material such as examples of publishing contracts and sustainable financial models for publishers.
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A must read for anyone looking to work in publishing, start their own publishing house, or have a general interest in the industry!
books on marketing books
6. how to market a book by ricardo fayet
If you think that marketing a book only starts after it’s published, you’re one of the people who needs to read Ricardo Fayet’s How to Market a Book, the reference guide for all things book marketing. From writing for the market to building a mailing list to planning a book launch, this book is the freelance author’s marketing bible, full of practical advice and creative approaches. best of all, you can pick it up today completely free!
7. Let’s Get Digital by David Gaughran
This book is essential reading for aspiring freelance authors (or anyone interested in desktop publishing). Ever-creative author and marketer David Gaughran talks to readers about some of the best practices for publishing books. Get digital covers on many of our favorite topics, like amazon keywords and categories, and creating your authoring platform, making this a convenient book to check out for all your desktop publishing queries.
books to help you get a publisher
8. doing it posted by william germano
since we have addressed the field of academic publication, we must highlight the publication of william germano. there is no doubt that any scholar who wants to publish their scholarly work should read this book. germano walks you through the process from start to finish: deciding where to submit your manuscript, how best to approach a publisher, how to present your work, how to collaborate with your publisher on marketing and design, as well as the less exciting completion. but unfortunately essential things like quotes, copyrights, quotes, etc.
written by the vice president and editorial director of routledge, you know this book is a must read.
9. the elements of style by william strunk jr. and my. b. white
elements of style is a concise and enduring guide to becoming a better writer. First published in 1918, there’s a reason this little volume remains popular: It’s simple, unassuming, and the practical advice it contains has yet to erode over time, so give it a try.
10. annual edition of the writers market
The writer’s market, a resource book published annually, contains thousands of opportunities for writers to submit their writing: from publishers who accept manuscript submissions to literary magazines, literary agents, general interest magazines, etc.
The book starts with a general introduction to shipping best practices, before divulging specific shipping details, so there’s something here for everyone!
Want access to a huge list of publishers and agents for free? take a look at the reedsy directories below:
💡 686 literary agents looking for proposals
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💡487 major book publishers open for submissions
11. annual edition of the yearbook of writers and artists
another resource book published annually, the writers and artists yearbook is a very useful resource for uk writers and illustrators. Both a guide to essential topics in publishing and a directory of opportunities, this now-sizable volume has been helping authors since 1906, when it was just 80 pages long. And here’s some really exciting news: One of the editors of the Writers and Artists series is none other than the razor-sharp professional Sophia Blackwell.
books on how to grow your career as an author
12. the business of being a writer by jane friedman
A lot of advice for writers tends to focus on style and craft, while practical business advice is reserved for non-fiction writers. But it shouldn’t be: everyone needs to understand how their writing will help pay the bills and what they can do to further their career path. Jane Friedman’s The Business of Being a Writer does exactly this: Without shying away from simple business talk, the author explains how everyone can maximize their chances of success.
We definitely recommend reading part 5 of the book, titled “how writers make money”, as it is one of the most valuable and sensible tips on this list.
13. the writer’s notebook: tin house craft essays
This collection of essays on perfecting your tin house craft includes advice from some of the most prolific contemporary poets and prose writers. The Writer’s Notebook combines ideas from Tin House’s summer workshops with advice from other esteemed contributors, and covers everything from craft-related topics like writing dialogue to sex scenes.
No matter the topic at hand, one thing is for sure, you are in good hands when reading this book.
14. become a successful freelance author by craig martelle
Aimed primarily at first-time authors, Craig Martelle Became a Successful Freelance Author is a short, practical introduction to desktop publishing. primarily aimed at a us audience. Part motivational, part practical, this guide will help you visualize the path to success for your specific project. What’s really exciting is that as a bestselling author, Craig Martelle’s ideas have certainly been tried and tested.
15. how to make a living from your writing by joanna penn
Another author who practices what she preaches, Joanna Penn draws on her experience of leaving a corporate job to make a living from her writing. don’t worry, this isn’t as simple as her “she writes a lot of books that sell well”. course teaching and professional speaking.
Even if you don’t find a suggestion that suits your needs, you’ll definitely be in the right frame of mind to come up with a new and exciting plan.
We hope you’re as inspired by the wisdom found in these titles as we are, and if you’d rather read publishing tips for free, head over to the reedsy blog for countless posts on all things publishing.
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