Outsourcing in the Publishing Industry: Streamlining Content Creation and Distribution

Strict deadlines heavily influence the publishing industry. The rush to meet challenging schedules and ensure timely release is common in the field.

Smaller and newly established publishing firms often struggle to meet publication dates due to their limited manpower. This shortage has led publishing companies, especially those in their early stages, to consider highly attractive business process outsourcing (BPO) services.

This article discusses the role of outsourcing in the publishing industry. Stay on this page to learn more about the aspects of publication you can outsource and their benefits.

The role of outsourcing in editorial and publishing processes

The publishing industry is a complex and continually changing field that demands a comprehensive grasp of both creative and business elements. Before a book can reach its readers, it goes through many stages.

In the editorial phase, manuscripts are molded and enhanced through close collaboration with authors. Marketing is pivotal in promoting titles and engaging with readers across diverse channels. Finally, distribution and sales are critical to ensuring books reach appropriate markets and are easily accessible to readers.

The growing significance of digital platforms necessitates that publishers be flexible and adopt new technologies. Around 18% of book sales in 2021 are attributed to online platforms. As the sector transitions from traditional print publishing to e-books and other digital formats, publishing houses must also stay abreast of developments and adapt to the evolving landscape.

So, what is BPO’s role in this equation, and what outsourced publishing services are available?

The role of the outsourcing provider is primarily to offer reduced costs, better access to skilled professionals with publishing experience, and cost-efficient services. Outsourcing various content creation, editorial, and publishing functions can be strategic for businesses looking to streamline operations. 

Here are examples of editorial and publishing functions that can be outsourced:

• Writing and copywriting – creating articles, blog posts, marketing copy, and other written content
• Graphic design – designing visual elements such as images, infographics, and other publication materials
• Editing and proofreading – professional editing and proofreading to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to style guides
• Digital and print design – designing layouts for digital and print publications, including magazines, brochures, and marketing materials
• Ebook formatting and conversion – converting written content into e-book formats, formatting, and ensuring compatibility with various devices
• Cover design – designing visually appealing and market-appropriate covers for books, magazines, and other publications
• Illustration and artwork – creating custom illustrations, artwork, or photography to complement the content
• Content localization – adapting content for different markets, languages, and cultures to ensure relevance and resonance
• Print production and distribution – managing the print production process, including finding suitable printers, overseeing quality control, and organizing distribution logistics
• Digital publishing services – uploading and managing content on digital platforms while ensuring compatibility with different devices and formats
• Search engine optimization (SEO) and metadata services – optimizing content for search engines through keyword research and metadata tagging to ensure discoverability
• Social media management – planning and executing social media strategies to promote and share published content
• Market research – conducting market research to inform content creation, identify trends, and understand audience preferences
• Analytics and reporting – analyzing performance metrics, generating reports, and providing insights to improve future publications
• Email newsletter management – creating content for newsletters, designing layouts, managing subscriber lists, and sending out newsletters
• Ad placement and management – managing advertising space within publications, including negotiating deals, designing ad layouts, and tracking performance
• Translation services – translating content into different languages to reach a broader audience

Benefits of outsourcing in the publishing industry

The role of outsourcing in publishing manifests in efficient solutions and cost savings. By leveraging the third-party provider’s resources, publishers can simultaneously reduce turnaround times and decrease production costs.

Here’s an overview of BPO’s advantages for the publishing industry:

Streamlining the release and marketing of publications

BPO can streamline the release and marketing of publications in several ways. BPO providers can manage the digital publishing process, including uploading and formatting content for various online platforms, ensuring a smooth and effective digital release.

BPO firms can also assist in planning and coordinating launch events, book signings, or other promotional activities associated with releasing publications. Publishers can also outsource ad management and placement within publications, allowing them to focus on more mission-critical tasks.

Ensuring high standards

BPO companies employ several strategies to ensure high standards in outsourced publishing. These strategies encompass various aspects of the outsourcing process, including talent management, quality control, technology adoption, and communication.

BPO firms provide thorough training programs to their teams, focusing on industry-specific skills, client requirements, and quality expectations. Ongoing training ensures the external workforce remains updated on the latest publishing trends and standards.

Enhancing visual elements

BPO firms invest in state-of-the-art design software and tools to facilitate the creation of visually stunning content. They also play a crucial role in enhancing visual elements in outsourced publishing by leveraging skilled designers, advanced technologies, and industry best practices.

BPO companies employ talented graphic designers and visual artists who create engaging and visually appealing content. These professionals bring creativity and technical proficiency to the design process.

Reducing publishing expenses 

Outsourcing allows publishers to access skilled professionals at a lower cost than hiring in-house staff, especially for content creation, editing, and data entry tasks. BPO also eliminates the need for publishers to invest in additional infrastructure, office space, and equipment, resulting in substantial savings. These factors lead to up to 70% cost savings.

Meeting tight deadlines is common in publishing. By outsourcing, publishers can avoid overtime costs for in-house staff during periods of increased workload.

Recommendations for publishers considering outsourcing

Now that you know the role of outsourcing in the publishing industry, let’s discuss what publishers can do to navigate the outsourcing process effectively and maximize the benefits:

• Examine prospects’ range of services. Vendors offer diverse service portfolios. While some may present comprehensive packages covering all facets of the process, others may offer a more limited selection.
• Assess cost versus benefit. Many publishing firms offer bundled services, particularly for clients requiring long-term assistance. While choosing the cheapest option outright isn’t advisable, avoiding overspending is important.
• Review references and samples. Understanding your potential service provider’s track record is crucial for future collaboration. Request a list of references or past clients from the publishing services provider.
• Inquire about delivery times. Deadlines are paramount in publishing; any competent publishing company should understand this. Engage with the core team of the potential service provider to discuss typical delivery timelines.

The bottom line

By outsourcing publishing tasks, companies can optimize their internal resources, reduce operating costs, and benefit from the expertise of specialized professionals. This approach enhances efficiency, accelerates the release of publications, and ensures a more effective marketing strategy, ultimately contributing to the success of the publishing venture.

Let’s connect if you want to learn more about the role of outsourcing in the publishing industry!