What Do Book Publishing Companies Do?
A book publishing company turns a manuscript into a finished book and gets it to readers. That means editing the text, designing the cover and interior, handling copyright and ISBN registration, producing print, ebook and audiobook editions, distributing them to retailers and libraries, and marketing the book. How much of that work a company does, and who pays for it, depends on the type of publisher. A traditional publisher pays the author an advance and covers all costs. A hybrid publisher or a full-service self-publishing company charges the author for its services. Some full-service companies, such as Writers of the West, also offer ghostwriting before publication begins.
The 8 Jobs a Book Publishing Company Does
- Develops the manuscript. Acquiring it, or helping write it
- Edits it. Developmental editing, line editing, copyediting and proofreading
- Formats and typesets it. Laying out print and ebook interiors
- Designs the cover
- Handles copyright, ISBNs and registrations
- Produces the book. Print-on-demand or offset printing, ebooks and audiobooks
- Distributes it to online retailers, bookstores and libraries
- Markets it. Metadata, launch strategy, publicity and advertising
Who Does What: Traditional vs. Hybrid vs. Self-Publishing
| Traditional publisher | Hybrid publisher | Full-service self-publishing company | DIY self-publishing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who pays for publishing | The publisher | The author | The author | The author |
| Author income | Advance plus royalties; most advances don’t earn out | Higher-than-standard royalty, shared with the publisher | Typically 100% of net sales | 100% of net sales |
| How to get in | Almost always requires a literary agent | Vetted submission | No submission review | None |
| Creative control | Publisher decides title and cover; author is consulted | Shared | Author | Author |
| Who does the work | Publisher’s in-house team | Publisher’s team | Company’s team | Author hires freelancers |
Writers of the West, used as an example throughout this guide, is a full-service self-publishing company. It is not a traditional or hybrid publisher.
1. Manuscript Development and Ghostwriting
Traditional publishers acquire finished manuscripts or book proposals, usually through literary agents. They don’t write books for authors. Their editors choose which books to publish, often requiring an agent to submit.
Some full-service companies also help create the manuscript. Writers of the West example: for authors without a finished draft, the company offers ghostwriting to complete the manuscript before editing and publishing begin.
2. Editing
Every publisher edits the manuscript in stages: developmental editing (structure and story), line editing (style and clarity), copyediting (grammar and consistency) and proofreading (final errors).
Writers of the West example: its self-publishing services can include developmental editing, line editing and proofreading, depending on what the manuscript needs.
3. Formatting and Typesetting
Publishers lay out the interior so the book reads correctly in print and on e-readers, covering trim size, fonts, margins, chapter openings, page numbers, and, for nonfiction, indexes and bibliographies. Print and ebook editions need separately prepared files.
Writers of the West example: interior formatting, typesetting, indexing and bibliography preparation, with separate print and digital files prepared where required.
4. Cover Design
Publishers design the front cover, spine and back cover to fit the genre and the retailer’s specifications. At traditional publishers, the publisher controls the cover decision and consults the author. With self-publishing, the author has the final say.
Writers of the West example: custom cover design, with the author approving the final cover.
5. Copyright, ISBNs and Registrations
Publishers handle the legal and cataloging steps that make a book a recognised, sellable product:
- Copyright. Copyright exists from the moment a work is created, and registering with the U.S. Copyright Office makes it a matter of public record.
- ISBNs. Each format needs its own ISBN. In the U.S., they’re issued through Bowker.
- Library of Congress. The Preassigned Control Number (PCN) program lets U.S. authors and publishers get a catalog number before publication, which helps libraries order the book.
Writers of the West example: copyright assistance and ISBN setup, plus Library of Congress registration on Gold packages and above.
6. Production: Print, Ebook and Audiobook
Publishers produce the physical and digital editions. Traditional publishers usually print in bulk (offset printing). Self-publishing companies usually use print-on-demand, where each copy is printed when it’s ordered, so there’s no inventory to store.
Writers of the West example: paperback, hardcover, ebook and audiobook editions, using print-on-demand, with the formats included depending on the package. Authors publishing only on Amazon can use its Amazon book publishing services for Kindle Direct Publishing.
7. Distribution
Publishers make the book available to retailers, wholesalers and libraries. Traditional publishers also employ sales teams who pitch books to major retailers before release, which helps them get physical shelf space. Self-publishing companies make books available for retailers and libraries to order, usually without sales reps pitching them.
Writers of the West example: packages range from Amazon-only up to 50+ retail channels, including bookstore and library distribution in the U.S. and Canada on higher tiers. Its self-publishing page links to a live book listing on each retailer it distributes to.
8. Marketing and Launch
Publishers prepare the book’s retail listing and promote it. That includes the book description, keywords, categories and metadata, editorial reviews, press releases and advertising. Traditional publishers’ marketing support varies widely from book to book, and authors are often expected to promote their own work.
Writers of the West example: category and keyword research, metadata and description optimization, A+ Content and editorial reviews. Optional book marketing services include press releases, influencer and podcast outreach, social media campaigns, paid ads, book trailers and author websites.
Do All Book Publishing Companies Do All of This?
No. Traditional publishers cover editing through distribution but don’t write books for authors. Hybrid publishers cover similar ground but charge the author and share sales revenue (see our comparison of the best hybrid publishing companies). Many self-publishing services cover only one or two steps, such as formatting or uploading to Amazon KDP. A smaller group of full-service companies covers every step from manuscript to marketing under one team.
How to Choose a Book Publishing Company
- Do you have a finished manuscript? If not, you’ll need a company that offers ghostwriting or manuscript development.
- Do you need an advance, or can you invest? Traditional publishers pay you. Hybrid and self-publishing companies charge you.
- Do you want to keep your royalties? Check whether the company takes a share of sales.
- What does “distribution” mean in writing? Ask for the named channels, and for live examples of books on them.
- Is the pricing published? Compare published package prices against custom quotes.
FAQs
What does a book publishing company do?
A book publishing company edits, designs, registers, produces, distributes and markets a book. Traditional publishers pay for all of this. Hybrid and self-publishing companies charge the author for it.
Do you have to pay a book publishing company?
Not a traditional publisher, which pays the author an advance. Hybrid publishers and self-publishing companies charge for their services.
What is the difference between a publisher and a self-publishing company?
A traditional publisher buys the rights to publish your book and controls key decisions. A self-publishing company provides services while you remain the publisher and keep 100% of net sales with the best services.
Do book publishing companies write the book for you?
Traditional publishers don’t. Some full-service companies, including Writers of the West, offer ghostwriting as part of their services.
Does a publisher handle copyright and ISBNs?
Yes. Publishers typically handle ISBN assignment, copyright registration and Library of Congress cataloging, such as the PCN program.
About the Author
Author & Developmental Editor
Brienna Burroughs is an American author and developmental editor with years of publishing experience. She focuses on story structure, narrative development, and manuscript clarity.
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