If you’re thinking about taking the leap and becoming your own publisher, this post is for you.
The world of publishing is transforming rapidly, and today’s writers don’t need to wait for a traditional publishing house to validate their work. With the rise of self-publishing and digital tools, authors can become their own publishers—gaining control over their creative decisions, intellectual property, and financial future.
But publishing professionally takes more than writing a great book. To truly flourish as your own publishing company, it’s essential to build a small but powerful creative and administrative team to support your vision.
My Journey Into Publishing: How a Small Idea Became Something Bigger
When I first stepped into the publishing world, I never intended to become a publisher. My goal was simple: I wanted to create a small business that helped people assemble their books. I loved guiding writers through the process and offering the support they needed to bring their ideas to life.
But very quickly, I realized something important—authors needed more than someone to help them assemble a manuscript. They needed help with every part of producing a book. And beyond that, many of them wanted a trusted, centralized place where their books could be published and supported.
As I continued working with writers, I established credibility and trust within the community. People valued my experience, consistency, and the care I put into every project. Over time, it became clear that my services had naturally evolved into something larger than I had imagined. What started as a writing and book-assembly service grew into a full-fledged publishing opportunity.
Transitioning from a writing firm to a book publishing company meant that books would now be published under my company’s name. And with that came the responsibility—and privilege—of building a complete team to meet my clients’ needs from start to finish. I knew I needed both administrative support and creative talent to ensure every book received the level of quality it deserved.
Fortunately, building a creative team came naturally. I assembled a group of talented graphic designers and illustrators who shared my vision for producing professional, beautiful books. For administrative support, platforms like Fiverr and other online outsourcing services made it easy to hire skilled assistants who kept operations running smoothly.
Over the years, this system worked so well that I was able to publish hundreds and hundreds of books—many for returning authors who trusted the process and the care my company provided.
Today, Create and Blossom has grown into a resource for helping other authors do the same. I guide multi-book authors, small presses, and emerging publishers in establishing their own organizations and publishing companies. The mission is simple: empower creators to build something meaningful, sustainable, and beneficial to their communities.
Why Become Your Own Publisher?
1. Total ownership of your creative rights
By establishing your own publishing entity, you retain full control over how your work is produced, distributed, and monetized—now and in the future.
2. Professional credibility in the book industry
A publishing imprint gives your books the appearance and structure of traditionally published work, which can open doors with libraries, reviewers, bookstores, and media outlets.
3. Freedom to build a brand that grows with you
Your publishing company can evolve—from publishing your own titles to expanding into children’s books, nonfiction, or even representing other authors someday.
Three Essential Steps to Registering Your Publishing Company
1. Choose and register your business structure
Decide on the format that best suits your long-term vision:
- Sole Proprietorship: Simple, but offers no personal liability protection.
- LLC: Most popular choice for indie publishers—flexible and protective.
- Corporation: Consider only if you plan to grow into a larger publishing house.
Be sure to select a business name that can function as your publishing imprint and verify its availability.
2. Secure your legal and business documentation
Once your structure is chosen, complete the following:
- Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
- Set up a business bank account
- Acquire any required state or local business licenses
- Determine whether you need a sales tax permit
This legitimizes your company and prepares you for both distribution and financial operations.
3. Purchase ISBNs and set up your publishing imprint
Your imprint name is the “publisher” listed on your books.
- Visit your country’s official ISBN agency
- Purchase ISBNs (buying in bulk is more cost-effective)
- Assign them under your business imprint—not to a third-party platform
This step officially positions your company as the publisher of record.
The Often Overlooked Key: Establishing a Creative & Administrative Team
Many new independent publishers assume they can do everything alone. But building a successful publishing company requires a blend of creative talent and administrative support. Even if you start small, assembling a team—whether contractors, freelancers, or part-time collaborators—dramatically elevates your professionalism and output.
Your Core Team Should Include:
• Administrative Assistant
Handles scheduling, email management, file organization, communication flow, and keeps the business running smoothly.
• Marketing Director
Develops marketing strategies, coordinates campaigns, analyzes audience data, and ensures consistent brand visibility.
• PR Specialist
Builds media relationships, secures interviews, manages press releases, and strengthens your author or company reputation.
• Illustrator
Ideal for children’s books, cover art concepts, character visuals, or branded imagery.
• Graphic Designer
Creates polished book covers, promotional materials, social media graphics, and maintains brand cohesion.
• Editor (Developmental, Copy, or Line Editor)
Ensures your manuscripts are structurally sound, grammatically correct, and beautifully polished.
These team members become the backbone of a professional publishing operation. You don’t need to hire them as full-time staff—freelancers or on-demand contractors are perfectly acceptable. What matters is having the right expertise to elevate your product.
Common Concern: “Do I really need a team when I’m just starting out?”
Many new publishers fear the cost, responsibility, or coordination involved in building a team.
Solution:
Start lean. Hire team members project-by-project.
As your income grows, you can expand into recurring or part-time support. Even one or two team members can drastically improve quality, reduce stress, and accelerate your publishing timeline.
Remember:
Your publishing company is a business, and businesses need people.
The right team frees you to focus on writing, strategy, and growth.
Final Thoughts
Becoming your own publisher is one of the most empowering actions you can take as a creator. By registering your business, establishing your imprint, and assembling a supportive creative and administrative team, you set yourself up for long-term success.
At Create and Blossom, we celebrate independence, creativity, and confidence. With the right structure and team behind you, your publishing journey can be both fulfilling and thriving.
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All the best,
Ms. Kennisha
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