Business insurance

/ BLOG

6 Tips for Building a Successful Publishing Business

Mar 16, 2023 · 5 minutes to read

Jumping into the world of publishing? With so much content available, breaking through the noise and reaching readers can be tricky. You’ll need more than just a great manuscript to sell your books!

Book author having meeting with book publishers at the office.

Here are five survival tips for publishing, from starting your business to considering insurance for publishers.

1. Write a business plan

When you’re running a business, it’s wise to have a plan. Many small business owners (including publishers) make writing a business plan the first item on their to-do list. These handy documents help you set goals, make important decisions, and track your success.

A business plan brings together information on all parts of your publishing business:

  • Branding and services – Business name, business structure, mission statement, company values, etc.
  • Finances – Pricing, revenue forecasts, budgets, etc.
  • Market research – Your ideal customers, your direct competitors, how your business will fit into the publishing landscape, etc.
  • Marketing plan – Advertising, your website, your social media accounts, PR strategies, etc.
  • Goals – What are your plans for your first year in business? First five years? Using the information above, you can start to make clear and achievable goals for your publishing business.

2. Consider business insurance

Like any business, publishing companies face risks. While some may cause minor inconveniences, others can be financially devastating. Claims and lawsuits could create unplanned bills that threaten your day-to-day operations or, in a worst-case situation, shut down your business altogether.

Insurance for publishers helps protect your business and personal finances from common industry risks, such as:

  • Copyright and trademark infringement – Typically covered by Professional Liability insurance.
  • Defamation, libel or slander – Also covered by many Professional Liability policies.
  • Bodily injury of a third-party – Typically covered by General Liability insurance.
  • Third-party property damage – Also covered by most General Liability policies.
  • Workplace injuries, illnesses or death – Covered by Workers’ Compensation insurance (this coverage is legally required in most states for business with employees).
  • Unexpected business interruptions – Coverage can be included in a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP).
  • Equipment breakdowns – Another coverage available in a BOP.

3. Figure out your marketing strategy

Getting a book published is just the beginning—you also have to sell it! A solid marketing plan helps get your books into the hands of readers. To do this, you may need to:

  • Promote your publishing business – Attracting talented authors is essential to your publishing company’s success. Quality manuscripts can help build excitement with reviewers and could earn you positive PR before launch day!
  • Know your audience – Defining a book’s ideal reader can help set your entire marketing plan. Remember: Your audience probably isn’t “everyone”. Knowing precisely who may be interested in an upcoming book can help you create a targeted marketing plan that will likely result in better sales than a more generic plan.
  • Start hyping a book early – Waiting until a book is published may be too late. Try building anticipation in the months before a launch to help build a larger customer base and increase presales.
  • Diversify your advertising – Booksellers and readers may look for new books in many places. Consider promoting books in multiple ways, such as social media, blogs, industry magazines and in-store materials.

4. Ask for help!

Publishing businesses often start small. You might be a one-person setup in your early days. However, keeping up with everything and doing it well can be challenging. That’s why many publishers seek permanent or freelance help with business admin, like:

  • Bookkeeping and accounting – Tracking spending, chasing invoices, preparing your business taxes, etc.
  • General office tasks – Responding to emails, setting appointments, booking maintenance, preparing for meetings, etc.
  • Branding – Designing a logo, choosing brand colors and fonts, building your website, crafting your tone of voice, etc.
  • Marketing – Updating your website and social media, sending press releases, organizing promo materials, etc.

5. Learn from your mistakes

Like many small businesses, your publishing business may not be a success from day one. You’ll probably make plenty of mistakes along the way. It’s important not to let setbacks get you down. Mistakes can be valuable learning opportunities that provide insights into how to do better next time. You could build a successful publishing company with time, evaluation, and practice!

Insurance for publishers helps protect your growing business, and BizInsure makes it easy to find the coverage you want. Compare policies and buy instant coverage online—all in about 10 minutes!

Compare insurance for publishers today and get instant protection for your small business.

As with any insurance, coverage will be subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions contained in the policy wording. The information contained on this guide is general only and should not be relied upon as advice.
The number of quotes provided varies between products, occupations and other underwriting factors determined by the insurers.
© Copyright 2023 BizInsure LLC, 2015 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BizInsure LLC; CA DBA: Simple, Smart, BizInsure Insurance Agency LLC; NY DBA: BizInsure Services LLC; NH DBA: Simple, Smart, BizInsure Insurance Agency; PA DBA: BizInsure Services LLC. 2950 Buskirk Ave Suite 300, Walnut Creek CA 94597. License #0H81929

Get Free Online Quotes and get coverage instantly

The coverage you need for your business.

Business insurance is divided into different policies. We offer 4 types so it's easy to design the coverage that fits your business.

Professional Liability Insurance

Get a quote

General Liability Insurance

Get a quote

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Get a quote

Workers Compensation Insurance

Get a quote

Let's find

The coverage you need for your business

Professional Liability Insurance

Get a quote

General Liability Insurance

Get a quote

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Get a quote

Workers Compensation Insurance

Get a quote

bizinsurance makes purchasing Business Insurance...SIMPLE!
Andrea W.
1701380391
Great quality of Service ,faster and convenience way to pay at most. Thank you for your Service to my Healthcare Facility .
Quick and easy!!!!
Terry
1701319042
Great service! Easy process and very informative representative. Andrea was great and very patience with our process. I would recommend using them!!
Terrance R.
1700848536
Always and easy process. Thanks!
Gerald S.
1700244544
Renewal was quick and easy online
Angelita K.
1699752900
I had a great experience working with Andrea from BizInsure. She was extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and responsive throughout the entire process. She guided me through the different options available and helped me find the perfect home care professional liability insurance policy that suited my needs. Her professionalism and expertise made the entire experience smooth and hassle-free. I highly recommend working with Andrea and BizInsure for all your insurance needs.
Juliette S.
1699032636
Easy to submit an application and to get quotes
Simone S.
1698775217
I had the most pleasant prompt and professional experience of my life with Bizinsure. Everything was completed in record time, at an unbelievable cost…and my certificate of Insurance was promptly emailed to me. Most of all it was effective immediately. No hassle no back & forth, just great service highly recommend to all small businesses.
Marcia S.
1698407456
Excellent
advanced U.
1697824466
Great service. Very professional and cordial. Thanks
Jeremiah U.
1697064641
BizInure has been a great company for our insurance needs. I wish customers services was 24/7, that would make it a five stars
Novilette L. J.
1696828014
Easy to navigate what you need. Always notify ahead of renewal!
Athena T.
1696646371
This is the best company I have ever worked with. They are professional and get you exactly what you need. I highly recommend them!
Jim P.
1696451803
this is really easy
Riaz R.
1696428004
Andrea was very useful and professional. I will be recommending Biznsure to my friends that need business insurance. Keep up the good work. I wish the agency also offers auto insurance and whenever you do I will be one of the first to sign up as sign of my appreciation.Mike Okonkwo.
Mike O
1696282284
Kalab was excellent. Great, great Agent. Every step was organized and well planned. I WILL recommend your firm to anyone. Thank you...
Easy to renew Policy
Plain S.
1695644756
Great total experience. The agent was professional, knowledgeable,and a pleasure to work with. The fastest business insurance purchase I've ever experience. I highly recommend Bizinsure.
Tony W.
1695492357
Communication was excellent and the process was easy.
Jessie R.
1695153508
I have been using Bizinsure for several years and find the ease of renewing as well as generating additional insured certificates to be easy and useful, especially as a sole prop. thank you
Michelle C.
1695060008
Kaleb tailored the right coverage to our business. Customer service was good and gave great understanding of coverage. Thank you from Goleda's Gentle Homecare LLC
Aneesah M.
1695056651
A GOOD COMPANY FOR HEALTH CARE INC
Supreme A.
1694871640
Easiest & fastest online quote and purchasing experience out there. Inside of 10 minutes I had a quote, payment draft, and policy in force... and at the most competitive GL rates I found.
Rusty H.
1694699044
very quick and prompt service.
Sally Jo W.
1694180429
caleb was great in helping me navigate thecorrect liabilty insurance for my company
Lindsay Erin P.
1694135867
Friendly fast service I recommend you to all vendors
Terry R.
1694133043
Great
Kemi S.
1694119021
Great Customer service and easy renewal process!!!! I would refer this company to anyone.
Chris H.
1694038325
Great company easy to work with, Andrew was very helpful,you can call him any time he is ready to listen and help
Olu A.
1693959486
Good customer service indeed
BASSI T.
1693944217
js_loader
Google Rating
4.6
Based on 214 reviews
×
js_loader