Small press book publisher

Readers buying direct from your website, local bookshops, libraries, schools and market or festival visitors.

You earn the sale price of each book minus printing, editing, design and distribution costs. You may also sell rights or ebook and audiobook editions later.

• Good eye for a strong manuscript
• Working with authors, editors and designers
• Basic budgeting and stock control
• Marketing to a niche audience

• Contracts with authors should be clear about rights and royalties, so consider getting legal advice
• Check legal deposit rules: publishers generally must send copies to the National Library and relevant state libraries
• Printing costs are paid upfront and unsold stock can tie up cash
• Defamation and copyright risks in the books you publish, check what insurance covers
• Check whether you need council approval to run the business from home and to store stock
• GST registration is needed once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many titles you publish, and your editing, design and printing choices. These are estimates only. Printing is paid upfront, so unsold stock can tie up cash.

Monthly revenue is typically around $200 to $3,000, depending on your titles, print runs and sales through your website, bookshops and events. You might need at least around 8 hours a week. These are estimates only.

Check that author contracts are clear on rights and royalties, and consider legal advice. Also check legal deposit rules for the National Library and state libraries, defamation and copyright risks, council approval for home business and stock, and GST.