How Publishers Work with Book Producers
As publishing houses streamline their own staffs but still have to produce the same number of books, they often turn to book packagers to fill the gap. In these cases they will hire the producer to work with the author on a project already under contract to make it a book. Sometimes when a publisher finds that a book is running late and must get out on a very tight schedule, they will outsource the project to a book producer who will then shepherd the book through to completion.

Book producers generally work with publishers in one of two ways:

• Editors may acquire original submissions from producers. Like agents, producers routinely submit book proposals to publishers. As a rule, these constitute some of the smartest ideas around. For this reason, it makes sense to get on a packager’s submission list.
• Editors may hire producers to develop and execute in-house ideas. Producers are quite willing to help shape your ideas into viable projects. Teaming up with a producer is often the only way editors can transform solid in-house ideas into actual books. It’s also an excellent way for publishers to exploit their own corporate brands. Book producers fill many different niches. Each company has its own areas of expertise and working style.

How Authors, Brand Entities, and Other Content Owners Work with Producers

Authors with a project that needs development work or a fully conceptualized design often team up with book producers, who are equipped and knowledgeable about turning a great idea into a sellable proposal.

Corporations, non-profits, and other organizations looking to exploit their valuable brands—from magazines to medical schools—count on producers to help them develop books that will bear their names. Working with book producers allows these groups to maintain a high level of control over how their name is handled.