So, you’re interested in becoming a book publisher? Let’s get started!
Step 1: Choose Your Corporate Name and Publishing House Name
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Tasks:
The first thing you’ll need to do to start a book publishing company is to brainstorm potential names for both your corporate entity and publishing house.
Decide on a corporate name that is flexible in case you want to spin off other business activities in the future.
Choose a publishing house name (this will be your “doing business as” or DBA) that resonates with your brand's mission and vision but isn’t so specific that it limits future growth. This should not be the same as your corporate name in case you choose to spin off the publishing house.
Finally, research the availability of your chosen names. Check domain name availability, social media handles, and trademark databases to ensure the names are not already in use.Option for corporate checking name availability: USPTO, LegalZoom Option for checking domain availability: Godaddy
Step 2: Incorporate Your Company
Timeline: 2-4 weeks
Tasks:
Choose a business structure (e.g., S-corporation or LLC taxed as an S-corp). An LLC is common for small publishers due to its flexibility and protection.
File incorporation documents with your state’s Secretary of State office. If you’re operating in multiple states or seeking tax benefits, consider incorporating in a state like Delaware. Affordable option: legalzoom.com
Draft and finalize your company’s bylaws and operating agreements, especially if you have partners. Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and equity splits.
Obtain your Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, which will be necessary for tax purposes and opening a business bank account.
Step 3: Get Insurance
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Tasks:
Research insurance providers that specialize in small businesses or publishers. Affordable option: thehartford.com
Purchase liability insurance to protect your business from legal claims.
Secure Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance to safeguard against lawsuits related to your published content.
Review your policy options carefully to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Step 4: Establish a Bank Account
Timeline: 1 week
Tasks:
Once your EIN is issued, open a business bank account in your company’s name.
Choose a bank that offers small business services, such as low fees, easy online banking, integrations with accounting software like Quickbooks, and a business credit card. Best option for startups: Brex
Avoid mixing personal and business finances to ensure clear bookkeeping and avoid potential legal issues.
Step 5: Register Your Company with Local Government
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Tasks:
Determine if your local government requires a business license or permits to operate.
Register your business with the relevant local government agencies.
Pay any necessary fees and keep your registration documents organized.
Step 6: Design Your Imprint Logo
Timeline: 2-3 weeks
Tasks:
Hire a professional designer or use design software to create a logo that reflects your brand identity. Affordable option: fiverr.com
Ensure the logo is versatile and works well in various formats (e.g., book covers, websites, business cards).
Consider trademarking your logo to protect your brand identity.
Step 7: Partner for Production, Printing, and Distribution
Timeline: 3-6 weeks
Tasks:
Research and select a production, printing, and distribution partner. Options include Ingram for print-on-demand and expanded distribution, or Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) for online sales. (If opting for Ingram+KDP, register your books with Ingram first to ensure wider distribution options before adding them to KDP. And be sure to disable KDP’s expanded distribution.)
If opting for traditional distribution, Perfect Bound offers distribution services with partners like Simon & Schuster.
Negotiate contracts with your chosen partners and finalize the terms of the agreements.
Step 8: Prepare to Publish Your First Book
Timeline: 2-4 months
Tasks:
Build a professional website that showcases your publishing house and upcoming titles. Include an online store if you plan to sell directly. Best option for D2C sales: Shopify
Set up social media accounts to start building an audience. Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to connect with potential readers and industry professionals.
Consider hiring a publicity or digital marketing company to help promote your first title. They can assist with media outreach, online advertising, and content creation. Affordable option: Pacific & Court
Start drafting standard contracts (e.g., author agreements, freelance contracts) and invest in essential tools like Adobe Cloud for design work and Microsoft Word for manuscript preparation. (Templates are available for all active Perfect Bound users.)
Additional Considerations
Standard Contracts: Draft templates for author agreements, illustrator contracts, and freelance agreements. You may want to consult with a lawyer to ensure they are legally sound.(Templates are available for all active Perfect Bound users.)
Tools and Software: Invest in Adobe Creative Cloud for design and layout work, and Microsoft Word for manuscript editing. Consider project management tools like Trello, Monday or Asana to keep track of tasks. These tools and software packages will be essential to effectively starting and operating a book publishing company.
Ongoing Tasks:
Continuously build relationships with authors, agents, and other industry professionals.
Stay updated on industry trends and attend relevant conferences and events.
Regularly review your business strategy and adjust as needed based on market feedback and sales performance.
By following this timeline and guide, you'll be well on your way to launching a successful publishing company, ready to bring new voices and stories to the market.
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