Independent publishing companies are, surprisingly enough, gaining traction in a highly competitive industry. Not only are larger publishers struggling to peddle overpriced e-books and relying on increasingly gratuitous blog-based tomes; they are also increasingly rejecting the more academic voices of the literary community. You’ll find a number of web based presses that offer original short stories and articles, but smaller publishing companies are also printing novels, chapbooks, dissertations, graphic novels, and more. In general, having an “in†at a university level will help sales, but you should also make sure you have a printing press that can accommodate your present and future needs. Here are some questions to consider before you make your decision.
Do you need a physical printing press? Are you selling e-books? Would it be worthwhile to invest in an expensive Komori press when you can sell your writers’ work online? While printed work remains popular, you’ll definitely need to put some thought into your future business model if you’re starting out as a web press. If you charge readers a subscription fee or have already worked out a method of profitable, online payment, you may not need a printing press at all. Make sure you run the numbers. Some companies do offer payment plans, but the last thing you want is to commit to an expensive piece of equipment that you just won’t need.
How many copies do you print now? Do you anticipate future growth? If your company is brand-new, you may not be able to answer this question yet. But you still need to consider the implications. A high quality Komori press can produce nearly endless copies, and is great whether you are selling a few hundred or a few thousand copies. You should also consider your distribution network. Are you running your business as a web press, or have you branched out to bookstores or coffee shops? Consider your audience size and do your research before purchasing a printing press.
What sort of designs do your books have? Do you anticipate colors, folds, etc.? A number of innovative designs, from pop-up books for children to interactive books for adults like Griffin and Sabine, rely on far more advance equipment and supplies than mere ink and paper. Do you need a basic Komori press, or will you need add-ons and a reasonable assembly team. Again, you’ll need to consider the size of your projected audience as well, but make sure you are prepared to deal with interesting author requests if you provide a more artistic service. Even some scholars have examined collage and other techniques of delivering their message. If you keep a web press, you can add details like links, slideshows, Flash, and interesting graphic designs, but a standard printing press may need a little help to produce truly innovative book designs.
Starting a publishing company? Whether you wish to print books or combine online and offline media, you should do some research on printing presses and payment plans before you commit to any particular machine. Visit here to begin your research on brands, models, and more.
Also visit: http://www.goodinfohome.com/Art/1020700/24/Are-Zines-Dead-Reviving-Alternative-Media-in-a-Digital-World.html and http://www.ibookmaven.com/all/user/leroymason. |