Book publishing is the way in which a writer or writers can get their work out to the public by way of mass printing and distribution. If you are an author who is about ready to attempt to publish your work, there are several types of publishing companies that you can submit your manuscript to.

There are commercial publishing companies who will cover all costs that are involved in publishing. They, of course, expect a huge return on their investment, and are very particular about what they will accept. They reject thousands of proposals every day. Assuming they accept your manuscript, they have editorial control over your work and will make any changes they deem necessary.

Also, it helps to have an agent, especially is you are a new author, to help you get your foot in the door, so to speak.

Another book publishing option is through subsidy publishing. A subsidy publisher does not invest its own money; rather, they charge an author a fee to edit, typeset, proofread, and manufacture a specific number of books. They may also provide a promotional program with a limited budget and other administrative services for an additional fee above and beyond the cost of the publishing.

There is also what is known as publishing on demand. This method allows an author to submit a digital manuscript directly to an online publishing site that then sets the pages of the book, designs a cover and submits a copyright application to the Library of Congress. They will also place the book up for sale online.