Save on pre-loved laptops

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

  1. Publishing for Profit: Successful Bottom-Line Management for Book Publishers
    Publishing for Profit: Successful Bottom-Line Management for Book Publishers
    4.499
    $23.37
  2. The Publishing Business: A Guide to Starting Out and Getting On (Creative Careers)
    The Publishing Business: A Guide to Starting Out and Getting On (Creative Careers)
    4.88
    $40.95
  3. Merchants of Culture: The Publishing Business in the Twenty-First Century
    Merchants of Culture: The Publishing Business in the Twenty-First Century
    4.4148
    $17.28
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows.
Buy new:
-33% $18.55
FREE delivery Wednesday, November 12 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Joe Biel
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

A People's Guide to Publishing (Good Life) Paperback – December 4, 2018

by Joe Biel (Author)
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$18.55","priceAmount":18.55,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"18","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"55","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"YXIJ%2BT50LdAePHSlz9jXYnHlwxNXBFPF6KdtMz%2BnUZOIPBuRQAbE9QwgpfXf6YD4vz1Mu%2FpFuvMMwOL6kXtkw8lHwAHkrEC1hSgUiigx7HcsUXrjp2%2Bvj%2Bv7Nu5StzOyjzi1y2leERxjSRwVPdDbKw%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$16.75","priceAmount":16.75,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"16","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"75","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"YXIJ%2BT50LdAePHSlz9jXYnHlwxNXBFPFCzL9PFZV2YdDfGD80%2FDIMzj8cLXNAAlURkkIFDkTrHHdt0N3Ph%2FUOtG96WsHTL3Cfnk86CynkxACZB0jvU8RW76ILxWPD2%2F96j4SS3OdI66GX5FUaPudjCrqCRau7LFzo4TTfzNkXSX%2FNeJjma8Ib1LOPiUc5THS","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

Publishing is an incredibly rewarding yet endlessly complicated profession. This readable, comprehensive, and empowering book serves as a resource and reality check for anyone considering launching a press or publishing a single book. Author Joe Biel draws on 22 years of experience in all parts of operating a small publishing company to teach you the skills of the trade, from distribution, operations, inventory, scheduling, and accounting to development, sales, publicity, and marketing. Readers will come away with the confidence to succeed and a big picture overview of why publishing matters and how to plan and run their business.
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    416 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Microcosm Publishing
  4. Publication date
    December 4, 2018
  5. Dimensions
    6.97 x 1.38 x 5.04 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1621062856
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1621062851
Next slide of product details
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Frequently bought together

This item: A People's Guide to Publishing (Good Life)
$18.55
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Nov 12
Only 3 left in stock - order soon.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Publishing for Profit: Successful Bottom-Line Management for Book Publishers
$23.37
Get it as soon as Monday, Nov 10
Sold by Senyuva Commerce and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.
+
Merchants of Culture: The Publishing Business in the Twenty-First Century
$17.28
Get it as soon as Saturday, Nov 8
Only 19 left in stock (more on the way).
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Some of these items ship sooner than the others.
Show details Hide details
Choose items to buy together.

Frequently purchased items with fast delivery

Page 1 of 1 Start over
Previous set of slides
  4. Write Through It: An Insider's Guide to Publishing and the Creative Life
    Kate McKean
     
    Hardcover
    $23.74
    Get it as soon as Saturday, Nov 8
    FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by Amazon
  6. How to Self-Publish on Amazon: The Essential Step-by-Step Guide to Publishing Success
    C. Graham Cann
     
    Paperback
    $15.99
    Get it as soon as Saturday, Nov 8
    FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by Amazon
Next set of slides

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start over
Previous page
  5. The Book Business: What Everyone Needs to Know®
    Paperback
    $16.64
    Delivery Saturday
  6. Stolen Sharpie Revolution: A DIY Zine Resource
    Paperback
    $13.71
    FREE delivery Mon, Nov 17
  7. Inside Book Publishing
    Paperback
    $40.82
    FREE delivery Saturday
  9. Book Wars: The Digital Revolution in Publishing
    Paperback
    $19.18
    $3.99 delivery Mon, Nov 24
  13. Anatomy of Genres
    Paperback
    $12.57
    Delivery Saturday
  19. Copyright Handbook, The: What Every Writer Needs to Know
    Paperback
    $37.99
    FREE delivery Saturday
  20. The Chicago Manual of Style, 18th Edition
    Hardcover
    $50.80
    FREE delivery Saturday
  22. The Law (in Plain English) for Publishers
    Paperback
    $19.99
    Delivery Saturday
  26. Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within
    Paperback
    $10.84
    Delivery Saturday
Next page
Loading...

Editorial Reviews

Review

Select Guide Rating

About the Author

Joe Biel is a self-made autistic publisher and filmmaker who draws origins, inspiration, and methods from punk rock. Biel is the founder and CEO of Microcosm Publishing, Publishers Weekly's #1 fastest growing publisher of 2022. Biel has been featured in Time Magazine, NPR, Publishers Weekly, Art of Autism, Reading Glasses, PBS, Bulletproof Radio, Spectator (Japan), G33K (Korea), and Maximum Rocknroll. Biel is the author of People's Guide to Publishing: Building a Successful, Sustainable, Meaningful Book Business, Good Trouble: Building a Successful Life & Business on the Spectrum, Manspressions: Decoding Men's Behavior, Make a Zine, The CIA Makes Science Fiction Unexciting, Proud to be Retarded, Bicycle Culture Rising, and more. Biel is the director of five feature films and hundreds of short films, including Aftermass: Bicycling in a Post-Critical Mass Portland, $100 & A T-Shirt, and the Groundswell film series. Biel lives in Portland, Ore. Find out more at joebiel.net

Product details

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Joe Biel

Joe Biel

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Joe Biel is a writer, activist, journalist, filmmaker, teacher, and publisher. He founded Microcosm Publishing and the imprint Cantankerous Titles, which have published over 300 titles and sold over one million "classic format" paper books. He cofounded the Portland Zine Symposium and is the author of Beyond the Music, Make a Zine, Bipedal By Pedal, and The CIA Makes Science Fiction Unexciting. He has been featured in Time Magazine, Broken Pencil, Maximumrocknroll, the Oregonian, Portland Mercury, Punk Planet Magazine, Readymade Magazine, and the Utne Reader. He lives in Portland, Oregon.

Related books

Page 1 of 1Start Over
Sponsored
Previous page
  1. Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    Starting a Business QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner’s Guide to Launching a Successful Small Business, Turning Your Vision into Reality, and Achieving Your Entrepreneurial Dream
    Starting a Business QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner’s Guide to Launching a Successful Small Business, Turning Your Vision into Reality, and Achieving Your Entrepreneurial Dream
    4.54.5 out of 5 stars3,796
    $14.68 List:$27.99
  2. Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    Business Strategy Essentials You Always Wanted To Know (Second Edition): A Beginner’s Guide to Strategic Management, Porter’s Five Forces, Industry Life Cycles & Execution
    Business Strategy Essentials You Always Wanted To Know (Second Edition): A Beginner’s Guide to Strategic Management, Porter’s Five Forces, Industry Life Cycles & Execution
    4.14.1 out of 5 stars217
    $28.15 List:$38.99
  3. Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    Retirement Planning: Embracing Life After 50: A Guide to Secure Your Future, Easily Manage Income and Protect Against Unexpected Costs So You Can Enjoy a Comfortable Lifestyle
    Retirement Planning: Embracing Life After 50: A Guide to Secure Your Future, Easily Manage Income and Protect Against Unexpected Costs So You Can Enjoy a Comfortable Lifestyle
    4.84.8 out of 5 stars86
    $14.99
  4. Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    How to Start a Successful Airbnb Business: Quit Your Day Job and Earn Full-time Income on Autopilot With a Profitable Airbnb Business Even if You’re an Absolute Beginner
    How to Start a Successful Airbnb Business: Quit Your Day Job and Earn Full-time Income on Autopilot With a Profitable Airbnb Business Even if You’re an Absolute Beginner
    4.44.4 out of 5 stars496
    $17.99
  5. Shop the Store on Amazon ›
    The 4 Pillars of Problem-Solving: 169 Techniques & Hacks to Solve Challenges With Strategic Thinking. Build Relationships and Collaborate With People by Fixing Tough Problems Using Creative Solutions
    The 4 Pillars of Problem-Solving: 169 Techniques & Hacks to Solve Challenges With Strategic Thinking. Build Relationships and Collaborate With People by Fixing Tough Problems Using Creative Solutions
    4.54.5 out of 5 stars180
    $17.99
Next page

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
60 global ratings
Filled With Wisdom Not Just Information
5 out of 5 stars
Filled With Wisdom Not Just Information
This book is an amazing wealth of knowledge and is filled with wisdom, Joe Biel shares what he has learned in the past 22 years as owner of a book publishing house which he began in his bedroom. This well organized book teaches you some of the history of the industry just enough to set the stage for your goal in the publishing indistry as it is today. It explains the current business climate of book publishing and offers multiple options for different types of publishing houses that you may want to begin. Biel writes in a manner which is down to earth and direct, his writing is not patronizing and it moves along at a pace which keeps you interested and engaged. Examples and stories are told to illustrate the point being made. Topics are what a publisher does, books and niche books, choosing a title, design, size etc., options for printing, where to sell, how to sell, labor and staff, connecting with authors, legal information about ownership and rights, contracts, publicity and launching, and business structure budget and finances. Biel doesn’t just tell you the data, he explains the why and the how. The attitude throughout the book is “you can and should do it if you want to” and and it feels empowering. This is frank advice about the business with a realistic “know this before going in” approach. There are sometimes questions for you to answer to help you guide you were vision and plan. Rating 5 stars = love it.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Dawn
    5.0 out of 5 stars Really useful, in depth information
    Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Really great resource and well laid out. Easy to follow, and comprehensive.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great guide
    Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book is full of great info. I'm not sure yet if it has inspired me to try publishing, or scared me away. But, at least I know better what I will or won't be getting into.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kate
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome guide to Indie publishing
    Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2025
    Format: Kindle
    I love this book. As an Independent publisher that focuses on the authentic and empowering representation of disability in picture books there is not a lot out there and this is...just great.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Sally Goodin
    4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent advice.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2019
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This book saved me from making a major mistake in planning to publish an ebook.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kristin J. Johnson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Don't publish a book until you read this
    Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2019
    Format: PaperbackAmazon Vine Customer Review of Free Product( What's this? )
    I hadn't heard of Microcosm Publishing run by the neurodiverse (autistic), wry and brutally honest Joe Biel (who partners with bicycling writer Elly Blue). No fan of Amazon and rejecting the idea that the majority of people desperately want to buy beautifully written books (some do, but then 50 Shades of Grey becomes a bestseller), Joe Biel methodically takes you through the steps of creating a successful publishing business.

    The Introduction forces you to ask hard questions, gives you the "Publishing 101" rundown, and provides an infographic on How to Make a Decision (useful in launching a publishing business and in life.)

    Chapters 1 and 2 talk about finding and identifying your audience and a key concept in Biel's world, niche.

    Chapter 3 demystifies how to print books. Grab your highlighter, or the highlight function on ebooks (Biel has something to say about those too.)

    Chapter 4 gives you a guide as to where to sell books, how to approach bookstores, and different venues you haven't considered (libraries, anyone?)

    Chapter 5 hits home that you need to know your customers, and describes how to pack books for hsipping.

    Chapter 6 describes who's who on your staff--including interns and freelancers.

    Chapter 7 talks about acquisitions & editorial (is this book a fit for the publisher?) It also features the downloadable charts featured throughout the book.

    Chapters 8 and 9 talk about the unsexy but necessary topics of publishing rights and contracts (after publication, "Prepare for the worst-case scenario as well as the best-case scenario.")

    Chapter 9 talks about the dreaded word, publicity--social media (great guide included on how to do it effectively, 1/3 broadcasting, 1/3 sharing. 1/3 conversation). Don't overlook crowdfunding to publish books--Biel illustrates how to run a Kickstarter campaign. Also, he bursts authors' bubble by debunking the typical author tour, which can be expensive and get pats on the back but slim book sales (being creative and budgeting is key.)

    Chapter 10 dives even more deeply into finance and money and being solvent, including the phenomenon of backlist titles--books published prior to the current season. Charts galore. But learn from Biel: He grew Microcosm putting away $100 a week from his day job and now has $1M in sales two decades later, without loans or investors.

    Chapter 11 talks about the future of publishing and issues a call (repeated throughout the book) for publishers to feature new voices and talent because there are markets out there.

    Biel interviews experts such as Laura Stanfill of Forest Avenue Press and Adam gamble of Good Night Books. The war stories from people who know bleed from trim size make the book even richer.

    Despite its relatively small size, this is an information-dense book, so expect to spend some time on it.
    6 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Providential
    5.0 out of 5 stars The book
    Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2018
    Format: PaperbackAmazon Vine Customer Review of Free Product( What's this? )
    Absolutely the best book on how the publishing industry works for an independent. Whether you're an author, a would-be publisher, an editor, a reader, whomever- if you want to know more about how publishing works, this is the book. Get it.

    Short summary: Joe Biel is the founder of Microcosm Publishing in Portland. For those who are unfamiliar: If you're at all familiar with the Portlandia comedy show, Microcosm definitely fits in. They primarily focus on books and "zines" (the super-inexpensive version of a magazine) and the focus on issues including gender identity, autism, and bicycling. Yes, they're that specific- and that's part of the advice. Did you ever consider that many times readers want to find other books similar to ones they've read, and so having a hyper focus on a small set of topics almost guarantees you sell other similar books to the same reader? That's the kind of wisdom Joe gained over his lifetime in the business. This and more tips are inside.

    What you get: This book has everything- short of a writing class- to go from never having written or edited a book before to publishing 100,000 copies at a time and raking in millions. It contains detailed overviews of everything from how to start a company, to terms like paper weight and bleed, to how to stack boxes of books on your bicycle so they don't get crushed, to how to get your bestsellers on the shelf at "big box" bookstores.

    Who benefits: Anyone who likes books, honestly. Even if you have no intention to edit or publish books, you will benefit from learning how the industry works. How much money do authors make from book sales? There's a lot of e-books springing up, but how profitable are they? How much does a title matter to book sales? What size should a book be if it's being sold to children, and what options should you add to the cover such as gloss or heavy cardboard?

    Proof is in the pudding: This book is beautiful, jumps off the shelf with its colorful cover, and reads like a page-turner. Joe added in images, worksheets, and he also messed with the spacing. He clues you in with a wink at one point when he says that if you slightly increase the line width on certain kinds of titles it makes the reader feel like they're flying through the pages- he's clearly done that here, and it works like a charm. You just don't want to put this book down. What cool new fact is next? What insider story is he about to drop? How did I just plow through 20 more pages so fast?

    Get this book. You really need it on your shelf regardless of whether you ever want to publish a book. Anyone who loves books, needs this one.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • H A
    4.0 out of 5 stars Quite helpful for anyone thinking about or starting in publishing
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 10, 2021
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This book is very useful in explaining and spelling out big and little details about publishing in a quite interesting and quirky style, yet no stone is left unturned - even useful tips about printing paper and arranging books for shipping! Mr Biel is frank about his early mistakes and also has a good business head on his shoulders. It's interesting that he isn't a fan of Amazon for some specific reasons he clearly states, but here we are. Highly recommended for any newbie thinking about the publishing industry. Oldies too should benefit.
    Report
  • Rosemary Anderson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Insider tips
    Reviewed in Canada on July 3, 2022
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Joe Biel shares his experiences of 24 years in running a small book publishing business, and gives his advice to those starting such a business. In short: it's a tough business, with very thin and unreliable profit margins. Publishing is also tough for authors who take months or years to write a book: He says the typical traditionally published book sells 2,000 to 3,000 copies in its lifetime. In two examples of royalties paid to authors, one has "10% of net" giving the author $0.60 per sale of a $20.00 book (= 3% of cover price), and another example has 15% royalty (of net) giving the author $0.38 per sale of a $20.29 book (= just under 2% of cover price). Biel reveals a lot about the industry's inside workings honestly. Everyone who's considering self-publishing should read this book. It doesn't have an index, but does have an excellent table of contents. Because it's only 414 pages, it is necessarily somewhat brief on issues such as reversion of authors' rights, and US-centric (for example, no mention of the automatic reversion of authors' rights in Germany).
    Report
  • art educator exploring write ideas
    5.0 out of 5 stars Just What I Needed!
    Reviewed in Germany on April 29, 2020
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This book is a must for anyone pulling on a publisher's hat and venturing into the great big book industry for the first time. It's full of practical advice delivered in an easy to read and digest style.
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love it!
    Reviewed in Canada on September 17, 2021
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I love this book! would highly recommend!

    My neighbour received the other copy by accident. I managed to wrangle it back from her after a long arduous fight (she doesn't understand English very well) and the spare copy is being sent back to you.
    Report