Ep 96: How to (Easily) Form a Publishing House

Write the Damn Book Already

Write the Damn Book Already
Ep 96: How to (Easily) Form a Publishing House
Aug 07, 2024
Elizabeth Lyons

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Many indie authors find the idea of creating a publishing house overwhelming. But with the right steps, it becomes both manageable and highly beneficial. Here’s why setting up a publishing house is essential and how to do it.

First, it’s crucial to understand that forming a publishing house is not about creating a giant company like Amazon. Instead, it's about legally separating your personal and professional assets. This separation is vital as an author, because it protects your personal finances from any potential legal issues that may arise. 

While many creatives shy away from the business aspects of publishing, treating your book as a business can help you reach a broader audience. This means embracing some business tasks (even those you might not enjoy, like accounting. Just me?). 

Setting up a publishing house may seem daunting, but it’s simpler than it appears. The key is to create a legal entity, like an LLC, to protect your assets, which isn't nearly as complicated or expensive as it used to be. You can often set up an LLC yourself or use services like LegalZoom for additional support. 

You don’t need a complex infrastructure to start a publishing house. A simple logo for your book’s spine and a business bank account are sufficient. Today, many online banking options make it easy to set up a no-fee, no-minimum business account without visiting a physical bank. There’s also no need for an elaborate office setup or expensive branding packages.

The challenge often comes when authors overcomplicate this step, perhaps assuming they need an extensive branding package, a physical office space, or expensive accounting software. But none of this is necessary. 

It’s a worthwhile investment for protecting your assets and managing your book sales professionally. For a detailed guide on this process, including how to create a logo and manage business essentials, refer to the third module of "Publish the Damn Book Already," which

This episode is sponsored by Atticus, the all-in-one writing and book formatting software for self-publishing authors. From drafting to professional ebook and print layout, Atticus makes it easy to format your manuscript for KDP, IngramSpark, and beyond. Learn more at Atticus.io.

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