This can make it tough for a writer trying to get their work published. It is not easy to understand how publishing works, let alone why it works the way it does. This column will try to explain how the publishing business works.

Why Book Publishing?

I’ve worked for eight publishers, two book club groups and a literary agency. I still think that book publishing is about the most enjoyable thing you can do – aside from running a writers’ website, of course! It’s is a curious mixture of a business, an industry, a profession and a compulsion, but those who work in publishing find it hard to tear themselves away from that heady mix of books, authors and commerce.

What about the Writers?

Inside Publishing will build to a series about publishing, which will help writers and authors understand what goes on inside the business. Some columns will be a bit technical, but please keep reading if you want to understand what’s really happening inside your publishing house and what it all means for you.

Chris Holifield