A publisher takes on responsibility for editing, designing, printing, distributing and marketing a book, software program or other type of work. Self-publishers write their own books or software programs, then handle all the other work as well. Return to top Distributors 21. Publishers can contract with a distributor who will market their books to bookstores and other outlets. Distributors usually ask publishers for a discount of about 60 percent off the cover price of each book, and sell books on consignment, meaning a publisher doesn't get paid until the books are sold.
Distributors use sales catalogs and sales representatives to promote books to book buyers.
Return to top Wholesalers 22. Wholesalers distribute publishers' books to bookstores and other outlets, but do not actively sell the books. Marketing remains the publisher's responsibility, while wholesalers take orders, fulfill orders and handle returns. Wholesalers generally ask for a 55 percent discount off the cover price of each book, and pay publishers after the books are sold.