Science fiction writer Charlie Stross recently wrote an interesting post called “Why I Don’t Self-Publish.” It isn’t necessarily designed to discourage writers from self-publishing, but it does show why the process can be daunting — and why the publishers expect the lion’s share of all revenue.

Here’s a partial list of what a publisher does:

Editorial

• Acquisitions
• Editing

Marketing

• Book design
• Blurb writing
• Advance readers’ copies and review copies
• Handling trade shows
• Meeting the bookstore buyers
• Organizing author tours
• Commissioning advertising

Managing freelance team

• Copy-editor
• Proofreader
• Book designer
• Cover artist

Working with Firms

• Accounting
• Legal
• Typesetting
• Printing
• Distribution

 

 

via Charlie Stross