A book is simply a medium for storing information in the form of images or written material, usually bound together and covered with a hardcover cover. The traditional technical term for this bound structure is folio. In more modern times, a book may also be called a “manual”, “encyclopedia” or “encypodium”. A book is used to present information to the reader in the form of text. It usually includes footnotes explaining further details of the topic described within its pages.
During the 19th-century, the term “publicity” became associated with books as more people began to realize that books had an important role to play in society and were therefore required to be accessible to the general public. This attitude toward books changed throughout the century, with increased censorship and a decline in libraries and knowledge sharing. In the late 20th century, however, “publicity” began to refer more closely to a promotional function, indicating the importance of a publisher felt that his or her book held for its readers. By the 21st century, however, publicity has come to mean any outlet that allows an individual or group to disseminate information to the public.
Book publishing dates back to at least the 12th century, with the first printed work being recorded in a document discovered in a bookseller’s house in Germany in 1130. The most common form of publication was that of a printed edition of the primary source, usually the text of the book, with all the illustrations placed beneath it. In the past century, the term “publishing” has come to refer to the production of a book by a commercial publisher. This involves the production of a book through pressurized conditions in a fixed environment, such as a printing press or an office printer. From the point of view of the author, this production method of publishing ensures that his or her ideas will be distributed throughout the community, giving the author a measure of prestige and influence.
Most authors in the modern age of publishing are self-published authors, although some established authors still choose to publish through a publishing house. A self-published book is one in which the author financially produces and sells his or her own books. Although traditionally considered a lower class form of literature, there are many independent writers who have achieved commercial success because they published their work themselves. Some self-published authors rely on word of mouth from those who are interested in their work; others simply advertise in magazines and newspapers. Whether the publication is self-public or commercially published, the process of getting a book published can be long and arduous.
Writing a book requires intensive research, and a great deal of time is devoted to writing as well as preparing promotional materials. The publishing process also includes extensive editing, which may be done by a hired editor or by the author. After the book has been edited, the author and the editor are in agreement as to the content of the book, the title, the format, and any other specifications that have been agreed upon. Once a book has been printed and is being distributed, the author sends a letter of publication accompanied by an overview of the book and a list of key points that he or she hopes the readers will take away from the book.
Once a book has been published, the author is the one who is responsible for maintaining the reputation of the book and keeping it in circulation. In this way, the author is often asked to speak about his or her book at a conference or other gathering, and is sometimes asked to sign a book tour contract. Although some authors are able to do self-publishing just fine, others may require the help of a ghostwriter or editor to get their book published.