Publishing has never been easier to break into.

• In the past, publishing meant print media, but today you can also publish electronically (eg. On CD, DVD or the Web).
• In the past, print media distribution was often monopolised by large companies, and new, small publishers needed to work excessively hard to break into distribution networks. Distributors no longer have the same stranglehold they once did, partially due to globalisation (international distribution opportunities) and partially due to electronic publishing.

Publishing is a business and, like any business, can be either profitable or unprofitable. The initial choice that faces any publisher is what to publish. This relates not only to the content of the publication, but also size, format, quantity and commercial potential. Most publishers apply restrictions on what they will publish, minimising the danger of over-extending their resources (physical and intellectual) or harming their reputation by producing inferior products in some areas. Some choose to focus on certain categories of writing, and to build their business by producing a limited but quality range of products (such as children’s books).There can be considerable market value in growing a reputation as a publisher of a certain kind of book (journal or newspaper).

Small Business Opportunities

Publishers may either initiate their own projects or sub contract to publish for other organisations

Many organisations (private companies and government departments) need to have booklets, magazines, web sites, instruction manuals and other things published. Increasingly this type of work may be contracted out to publishing businesses.

Most organisations today publish web sites. Not only do they need to engage web developers to publish them, but also to maintain (update them; an that can mean ongoing, regular work.

From time to time, small organisations or individuals will recognize an unfilled niche in the print media market (perhaps a specialist magazine). Some very successful magazines have started this way; but there have also been some significant failures. Critical factors more often than not are knowing the discipline, being able to generate significant advertizing before even printing the first issue, ensuring good distribution, and last but not least timing (You must launch before others identify the niche and launch competition).

ACS courses can help you develop skills for successful publishing. If you want to know more email us at admin@acs.edu.au