publisher

A publisher is an individual or organization responsible for bringing written, recorded, or other content to the public. In its broadest sense, the publisher manages the production, distribution, and rights surrounding content, often taking on financing, editorial, and marketing duties. A publisher may hold the copyright or license the rights from authors and other creators, and may thereby control when and where works are made available.

Publishers publish a wide range of material, including books, academic journals, magazines, newspapers, music, and software. In books, a publisher typically handles acquisitions, development editing, copyediting, design, production, printing or digital formatting, distribution, and promotion. In academic publishing, presses and scholarly publishers prioritize peer review, metadata, and long-form dissemination to libraries and researchers. In music and software, publishers manage licensing, royalties, and distribution through appropriate channels.

Key relationships include authors, editors, agents, printers, retailers, and distributors. Contracts cover advances or guarantees, royalties, rights for different formats and territories, reversion of rights, and responsibilities for marketing. The term 'publisher' can also refer to the imprint or brand under which a publication is released.

Publishers vary in size and focus. Trade publishers publish general-interest books, while academic, educational, or professional presses concentrate on specialized material. Independent or hybrid publishers operate outside major conglomerates, whereas large corporations may own multiple imprints and a global distribution network.

Historically, publishing emerged with early printing and copyright protection. The rise of digital publishing and self-publishing platforms transformed the industry, enabling authors to reach audiences directly through e-books, print-on-demand, and online distribution.