Book Packager

Book packagers are often hired by publishers whose staffs are too limited to work on a multitude of projects simultaneously; in other words, these publishers are maxed out on projects and need outside help in handling additional ones. Some book packagers handle as much as 75 percent of a publishing house’s projects, allowing the in-house staff to concentrate on future projects and expansion. You would do well as a book packager if you have an editorial background, a knack for organizing and pulling together all the details of a book project, and the foresight to set realistic goals about accomplishing publication. You will likely handle everything from hiring writers and photographers to production and sales/marketing management. You would do well to pick an area of expertise, such as high-quality illustrated books. Many publishers don’t have that kind of expertise in-house and will gladly pay you for yours.


Expect to spend between $1,000 to $5,000 on your start-up, which will cover your initial advertising in addition to your complete computer setup (with printer, Internet access, fax, and desktop publishing software). If you can, develop your own simple, straightforward Web site, complete with samples of some of your work and testimonials from publishers you’ve worked with before. You’ll need to work hard to make $45,000 to $75,000 or more in this field, but it isn’t uncommon (especially for those in close proximity to the publishing capitals of New York, Chicago, and San Francisco).


Things could easily get out of hand when you are pulling together many diff erent creative forces for a special project. Try to work out your worst-case scenarios early enough to form a game plan around them, and set deadlines that are far ahead of when you actually need a project to be completed. You’ll see why after only one project.


Andy Mayer, President and co-owner (with Jim Becker) of Becker & Mayer Ltd. in Seattle, Washington, says the ability to produce very complicated, production-intensive books is what sets his business apart.“My partner and I both have backgrounds in toy invention and design, and we can produce really interesting books as a result.”


“Our staff! We couldn’t do anything without them . . . so many good ideas come from them. From an equipment standpoint, we couldn’t do without a phone, a computer, and a color printer to produce mock-ups for publishers.”


“Bring a lot of who you are to your company. Find out what your passions are and try to put that into the things you produce. Also, don’t listen to people who try to tell you there’s only one way to do something. Freely break the rules and see what happens.”


“I would have focused the business on book packaging much earlier . . . we tried to do both book packaging and toy invention, and that didn’t work as well.”


Approx. cost of start-up:$1,000 to $5,000


Approx. potential earnings:$45,000 to $80,000


Typical fees: Sometimes a percentage of total production costs; often, a ? at consultant’s rate


Where to promote: Writers’ and publishers’ directories, industry trade magazines, direct mail, Web site with online portfolio of books you’ve helped produce


Qualifications: Editorial background, top-notch organizational skills, broad understanding of publishing process


Things needed: Computer with printer and Internet access, fax, desktop publishing software, cell phone


Required staff: No


Hidden costs: Insurance, cost of generating business (it can take a lot of networking and paid listing on Web sites to get work)