Niche book publisher: start a small press from home

Readers in your niche, plus bookstores, libraries, gift shops and sometimes organizations that buy in bulk.

Sales of each title, from print-on-demand and short print runs plus ebooks. Direct sales usually keep more of the price than retailer sales. Some presses add workshops or bulk orders.

• Judging which manuscripts will sell
• Managing freelancers and deadlines
• Marketing to a specific audience
• Basic bookkeeping

• Copyright and permissions for text, photos and quotes, and written contracts with authors and freelancers
• Sales tax registration for direct sales, check your state's rules
• Print runs can tie up cash if books don't sell, so start small
• Check home occupation, HOA or lease rules if you store stock at home

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many titles you launch, your editing and design costs and your print run size. Print runs can tie up cash, so starting small helps.

Monthly revenue is typically around $200 to $3,000, depending on your titles, your audience and how well you sell through retailers, direct sales and local shops. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check copyright and permissions for text, photos and quotes, and use written contracts with authors and freelancers. Also check your state's sales tax registration rules for direct sales, and home occupation, HOA or lease rules if you store stock at home.