Hello lovely readers, special guest Art Holaus is back with an important message for us.  In today’s guest post,he’s going to teach us how to open a publishing company of our own as writers. Without further ado, Here is Art’s article.

 

There comes a point in every writer’s life when they get tired of waiting for someone else to say yes. The long silences from literary agents, the lukewarm responses from traditional publishers, the endless slush piles — it wears on you. That’s when the thought sneaks in: maybe you could just do it yourself. Not self-publish through some faceless platform, but own the whole thing — the ISBNs, the imprint, the bookshelves, the dream. If that’s where your head is right now, good. Because it’s never been more possible for authors to become publishers of their work — and others’ too — and retain full control over their creative and financial futures.

Build Your Foundation with Intention

Before you design a logo or order business cards, you need to treat this like any other business, because that’s exactly what it is. That means starting with the boring stuff: legal structure, tax IDs, bank accounts. Decide if you want to be a sole proprietor, form an LLC, or incorporate. Each route has implications for liability, taxes, and longevity, so it’s worth consulting someone who understands small business law. You’re not just publishing a book — you’re laying the groundwork for a publishing house.

 

Strengthen Your Business Backbone

While your love of storytelling may have sparked the idea to start a press, running one requires more than literary passion. Pursuing a business degree can give you the tools to manage budgets, streamline operations, and build a sustainable company. With the rise of flexible online programs, you can gain this expertise without stepping away from your writing or current responsibilities. If you want your publishing venture to thrive, treating it like a business from day one isn’t optional — and a business degree makes that mindset second nature.

 

Name It Like You Mean It

The name of your publishing company doesn’t need to be literary, but it should mean something to you. It should hint at the kind of books you plan to release, or the ethos behind your press. You’ll want to check that it’s not already in use, that the domain is available, and that you can register it with Bowker to assign ISBNs. Once that name’s on the spine of a book, it’s part of the publishing landscape. So don’t rush it. This is your banner — make it count.

 

Learn the Industry You’re Entering

Publishing is not just about making books — it’s about understanding how books live in the world. If you’re starting your own press, you need to understand distribution channels, metadata, BISAC codes, and wholesale pricing models. You should know how bookstores order titles, how libraries catalog them, and how reviewers discover them. Attend trade shows if you can. Read Publishers Weekly like it’s your morning paper. You’re not just an author anymore. You’re an insider now — so act like one.

 

Design Matters More Than You Think

Even if your prose sings, a poorly designed book will sabotage you the moment someone picks it up. Readers do judge books by their covers — and also by their typesetting, layout, paper quality, and binding. That’s why traditional publishers hire professionals to do this work. You should too. Don’t cut corners by doing your own cover in Canva unless you’re truly trained. Hire experienced designers and layout artists who know book design standards. Make your books look like they belong on shelves — because they do.

 

Distribution Is a Long Game

Printing a book is one thing. Getting it into readers’ hands is another. Distribution is where many indie publishers hit the wall — and where having a real strategy makes all the difference. Partnering with IngramSpark will get your titles into their global catalog, which bookstores and libraries use to order books. But listing is not the same as selling. You need to pitch to indie bookstores, create sell sheets, and possibly hire a distributor or sales rep who believes in your vision. No one’s handing you shelf space — you have to earn it.

 

Marketing Is Not Optional

You can write the next Beloved or The Underground Railroad, but if no one knows it exists, it doesn’t matter. Marketing is the muscle behind every successful book, and when you run your own company, that muscle is yours to flex. That means building a mailing list, cultivating media contacts, pitching to podcasts, and doing the unsexy work of audience outreach. You’re not just selling a book — you’re selling your publishing brand. Treat every title like it matters, because readers can smell indifference from a mile away.

Know When to Publish Others

You might start your press just to publish your own work, and that’s fine. But eventually, you might start hearing from other writers — people you admire, people whose stories need telling. When that moment comes, ask yourself if you’re ready. Publishing other people is a responsibility. Their careers, reputations, and dreams are in your hands. Don’t say yes unless you have the infrastructure — editorial, production, marketing — to do it well. But when you are ready, it can be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do.

Starting your own independent publishing company is less about rejecting traditional publishing and more about believing in your own voice. It’s about claiming space in a crowded landscape and saying, “I have something worth printing — and I’ll be the one to do it.” It takes more than talent; it takes stamina, strategy, and a thick skin. But if you’re the kind of person who sees a closed door and starts sketching a blueprint for a new house, then you’re already halfway there. This isn’t about ego. It’s about ownership and building something that lasts.

 

Art Holaus created BizHelpPro to be the place where helpful resources meet execution. Growing businesses is in Art’s blood. He comes from a long line of entrepreneurs. He has learned a lot from his parents and grandparents and his own journey about business ownership. With BizHelpPro, he hopes to share some of his knowledge and recommend great resources.