Two years ago, my wife and I decided to sell our television. In its
place, we decided to do something more productive with our time at
home and have both written techinical books in our respective fields.
We have not published these books, but are looking for an alternative
to the traditional route. We both have advanced degrees, she also
majored in English as an undergrad and worked as an assistant editor.
We edit eachother's work objectively. Our ultimate goal is to build a
business whereby we can work from home.
The idea that we had is to start a publishing company from our home.
We'd like to continue to wruite our own books, perhaps hire writers
for future books, and eventually publish other's written works.
What is involved in creating a publishing company? Aside from the fact
that we would be building a business for ourselves, what advantages
does owning a publishing company have have over the self-publishing
options that are currently available? |
Request for Question Clarification by
alienintelligence-ga
on
05 Apr 2005 17:31 PDT
Hi matteomba,
Can you tell us your expectations
for the work you expect to do as
a publisher?
What I mean is, there are many
facets and a great depth to being
a publisher, which you can approach
from many directions.
The publisher acts as a conduit
between the author and the author's
audience. Publishers can act as
editors, distribution agents,
and public relations. Publishers
can also act as the final step
in the process for a book to come
on the market, by acting as the
printer and retailer.
So, I guess the question for you
is... how much work do you and
your wife want to involve yourselves
with, when you start getting clients?
I'm certain you'll be seeking
an outside printer for the
work, at least in the beginning,
'til you get volume. But you have
to decide on what other positions
you will be available for and
eventually involve yourselves in.
-AI
|
Clarification of Question by
matteomba-ga
on
06 Apr 2005 08:12 PDT
If we are able to rationalize the plan from a financial and quality of
life perspectives, we would be foregoing our current jobs. Therefore
we are able and plan on devoting 100% of our time to this business.
Since we are only two people and don't plan on growing to the scale
here we would hire an employee right away, then we assume that we will
concentrate on the aspects of the work that calls upon our strong
points: writing, editing, and p.r., and then outsource the rest. The
key strategic and value producing work would be kept in house. You are
correct in assuming that we would outsource printing. But is it also
possible to outsource distribution, marketing, and retailing for now?
|
