Bokforlag

Bokforlag is a term used in Swedish and Norwegian languages to denote a book publishing house or imprint. A bokforlag acquires, edits, produces and distributes books and other printed or digital media. The term covers both large commercial publishers and smaller independent houses.

Functions include acquiring manuscripts, developing them with editors, coordinating design, typography, and production, obtaining rights, coordinating translation, printing or digital formats, and handling distribution, marketing, and sales.

Types of bokforlag: trade publishers serving general readers; academic or educational publishers; children's publishers; university presses; religious or regional publishers; and self-publishing imprints.

Publishing process: authors or agents submit proposals; editors evaluate; contract negotiated; development editing; copyediting; layout and cover design; production (print or e-book); ISBN assignment; distribution to bookstores and libraries; marketing, publicity, and sometimes translation rights.

Industry context: Historically linked to printing press adoption; modern era saw consolidation and commercialization; digital publishing and self-publishing platforms have broadened access; copyright, licensing and international rights are important; market varies by country.