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.

Authors, literary agents.

2.

Assessment and publishing

Selection of works for publication, editing and proofreading of texts.

Publishers, professional readers, proofreaders.

3.

Design and layout

Cover design, layout of interior content and preparation of files for printing or digital format.

Graphic designers, layout designers.

4.

Printing, recording and production

Book printing, binding and preparation for distribution. Audio recording and editing for audiobooks.

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.

Marketing managers, press officers, publishers, authors.

6.

Distribution

Book sales and distribution at retail outlets and on digital platforms.

Bookshops, distributors, online platforms.

7.

Sales and customer relations

Direct interaction with readers, advice and after-sales support.

Booksellers, digital platform customer services, social networks.