With nearly three decades of experience operating an independent publishing company, Joe Biel has written the most accessible and comprehensive guide to running a successful publishing business-now better than ever in this updated and expanded new edition! Featuring fresh material and even more case studies (including a parable about Colleen Hoover), this new and improved second edition of A People's Guide to Publishing shares Biel's most crucial skills, tips, and tricks of the trade, revised for our shifting publishing landscape-including how taking on Microcom's distribution quintupled the business's sales since this book was first published. Inside, you'll find honest, evidence-backed insider information on how to: Develop your list to connect with readers on a practical and emotional level; Choose between offset and digital printing and work effectively with printers; Select the best e-book format for your books; Build an authentic niche so you can reach your audience with direct sales; Create a customized budget that accounts for the cost and income of each book, keeping your company in the black; Decide what work you need to do yourself and what can be delegated to others; Plan for long-term sustainable growth.