Project Management for Book Publishers: The Programs and Workflows Behind Making Books and Digital Products

Project Management for Book Publishers provides readers with a solid understanding of efficient processes and workflows for content creation, product development, and the marketing and distribution of both physical and digital products.

Digital has brought more data, more training, and more accountability to the publishing process. But it has also shone light on how systems designed initially around print-first publications are ill-equipped to support an industry of now would-be digital media companies. This book addresses some of the major challenges for publishing houses facing this reality, including how to create a digital-aware workflow, implementing quality assurance procedures, and using different management systems to develop an efficient workflow. Beginning by explaining project and product management practices used throughout technology and media companies, it then delves into when and how these principles can be applied to the publishing workflow. Topics covered include Waterfall and Agile Project Management, Scrum methodology, Kanban framework, ebook and audio formats, metadata, quality assurance, crowdfunding, in-app monetization, ONIX, and accessibility. Readers will consider not just how to contend with online platforms that allow authors to publish with the click of a button, and audiences accustomed to accessing content across multiple platforms and formats, but also challenges arising from factors such as the data-driven acquisitions model in libraries, the downward spiral of sales in college bookstores, the call for accessibility, and the need for fluid content systems that can work with different publishing databases and software.

Written for publishing professionals at all levels, this book will also help advanced students of Publishing and Book Studies navigate best practices for project management in the modern publishing landscape.

John Rodzvilla is Assistant Professor of Digital Publishing in the Department of Writing, Literature and Publishing at Emerson College, Boston. He was previously the Graduate Program Director for the Master of Arts Degree in Publishing and Writing and the Senior Electronic Publisher-in-Residence at Emerson College.