Books and publishing
Definition and description
 of the industry
				
					The book and publishing industry involves the selection, production, publication and distribution of books. This sector is central to the transmission of knowledge, culture and entertainment. It includes traditional printed books, ebooks, audiobooks and online databases. Publishing covers a wide range of genres, including literature, educational manuals, non-fiction, practical guides and periodicals.				
				Key steps and players 
in the value chain
				1.
Writing and acquiring manuscripts
Creation and submission of original manuscripts for assessment.
					 Actors 
							
			
			
		
						
				Authors, literary agents.
2.
Assessment and publishing
Selection of works for publication, editing and proofreading of texts.
					 Actors 
							
			
			
		
						
				Publishers, professional readers, proofreaders.
3.
Design and layout
Cover design, layout of interior content and preparation of files for printing or digital format.
					 Actors 
							
			
			
		
						
				Graphic designers, layout designers.
4.
Printing, recording and production
Book printing, binding and preparation for distribution. Audio recording and editing for audiobooks.
					 Actors 
							
			
			
		
						
				Printers, bookbinders, dubbing actors, readers, recording studios.
5.
Marketing and advertising
Promotion of books to bookshops, the media and readers, as well as at specialist fairs and exhibitions.
					 Actors 
							
			
			
		
						
				Marketing managers, press officers, publishers, authors.
6.
Distribution
Book sales and distribution at retail outlets and on digital platforms.
					 Actors 
							
			
			
		
						
				Bookshops, distributors, online platforms.
7.
Sales and customer relations
Direct interaction with readers, advice and after-sales support.
					 Actors 
							
			
			
		
						
				Booksellers, digital platform customer services, social networks.