kirjastamine

Kirjastamine is the process of bringing written works to a public audience. It encompasses activities that transform an idea or manuscript into a finished publication, including development, editing, design, production, distribution, and marketing. The term is used in Estonian publishing as well as in international contexts to describe the lifecycle of a publication from concept to retail and library access.

Core stages include acquisition and development, where manuscripts are evaluated and plans for the full publication are made; editing, which can involve developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading; design and layout, covering cover art, typography, and internal formatting; production, which may mean printing or preparing digital files; licensing and rights management, including copyright, permissions, and identifiers such as ISBNs; and distribution, which involves wholesalers, bookstores, libraries, and online platforms.

Publishing models vary. Traditional publishing involves a publisher financing and managing production and distribution, often with advances and royalties to the author. Self-publishing gives authors greater control and higher royalties but requires handling production, distribution, and marketing themselves. Hybrid models combine elements of both. Digital publishing has expanded formats to e-books, audiobooks, and online content, broadening reach and accessibility.

Formats, licensing, and metadata are essential for discoverability and access. Common identifiers include ISBN for books and ISSN for serials, while robust metadata supports indexing, cataloging, and search on platforms and in libraries. Legally, publishing is governed by copyright law, with copyright duration generally aligning with EU standards of life of the author plus 70 years. The publishing industry supports literacy, culture, and education, and operates within broader cultural and economic ecosystems.