STARTING A PROFITABLE PUBLISHING & PRODUCTION COMPANY IN TODAY’S DIGITAL AGE

AN OVERVIEW OF OPPORTUNITIES IN THE PUBLISHING & PRODUCTION BUSINESS

By Carmen Greger

The world of media is vast, evolving, and pulsating with opportunity. Whether you’re passionate about penning articles, producing riveting podcasts, directing spellbinding movies, or launching informative YouTube channels, there’s a space for you in the ever-expansive universe of content creation. As the great Oprah once said, “You have to find what sparks a light in you so that you in your own way can illuminate the world.” Your unique voice deserves an audience.

But how do you navigate the complex terrain of starting a publishing and production company that spans a multitude of platforms? Let’s dive in.

Establish Your Vision & Mission

Your venture should start with a clear mission and vision. What stories are you burning to tell? Who is your target audience? Your answers will shape the trajectory of your venture and help you identify the most suitable platforms and media forms for your content.

Streams of Revenue

Diversifying income is crucial in media. From subscription models, pay-per-view, advertising, merchandise, licensing to syndication, the avenues are endless. Each platform has its unique revenue model:

• Online publishing: Advertising, affiliate marketing, sponsored content.
• Magazines: Subscription, newsstand sales, and ads.
• Podcasts: Sponsorships, listener donations, affiliate marketing.
• Movies/Documentaries: Box office sales, streaming rights, DVD sales.
• YouTube: Ad revenue, sponsored content, and affiliate links.
• Books: Retail Sales, Web and affiliate marketing, ticketed author events and book signings.
• Songwriting: Album sales, streaming contracts, individual downloads, jingles, royalties,

Choosing the Right Platform

Remember Mark Manson’s bestseller “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck”? It started as a book and later got transformed into a movie. Platforms can amplify your message. There’s Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, among countless others, each with its audience demographic and trends. Recognize where your content will shine the most.

Great Teamwork & Leadership

Behind every successful venture is a solid team. Your core team should be a blend of creatives and tech experts. This intersection of creativity and technology can bring forth unparalleled content that resonates and engages.

The Power of Adaptation

Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Eat, Pray, Love” is a testament to evolving with the times. From a best-selling book to a blockbuster movie, and now through her podcasts, Gilbert has continually expanded her reach, reminding us of the importance of adapting and expanding.

The Evergreen Charm of Print

In our digitized era, the allure of flipping through a magazine or the tactile pleasure of a book remains unmatched. Physical publications can act as tangible extensions of your digital realm, making your presence felt more robustly.

Mindful Advertising

Your audience trusts you. Ramit Sethi’s approach to advertising is a beacon of integrity. He only endorses products that align with his values and can genuinely benefit his followers. Such authenticity fortifies trust and establishes long-term loyalty.

Spotlight on Publications & Productions

Remarkable examples to inspire you:

• Oprah: From her talk show to her magazine and TV network, Oprah’s empire stands as a testament to hard work, vision, and authenticity.
• The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: Mark Manson’s transition from author to movie producer is proof that stories find their way across platforms.
• Eat, Pray, Love: Elizabeth Gilbert’s journey and adaptation remind us that there’s always room to evolve and expand.
• TED: What began as a conference has now expanded into a non-profit media organization offering podcasts, YouTube channels, and even a book series.
• National Geographic: A gold standard in print, this brand has brilliantly expanded its presence on TV and digital platforms.

Starting a publishing and production company is a thrilling journey of storytelling, innovation, and connection. It’s about taking your unique voice (and/or the voices of others who need be heard) packaging it in a myriad of mediums, and sharing it with the world.

With dedication, a clear vision, and the right team, you can impact lives, inform and inspire millions, and leave an indelible mark in the sands of time. The world is waiting. Are you ready? Let’s get you started and running right out of the gate with a closer look at the methods and missions of publishing and production.

The How’s and Why’s of Starting a Multifaceted Publishing & Production Company

In an age where content is king and media consumption is soaring, there’s a tremendous pull to join the publishing and production frontier. But before you embark on this journey, it’s vital to understand the how’s and why’s.

Why Launch a Multifaceted Publishing & Production Company?

• Diversification: By spreading across multiple media forms, you hedge against the risks associated with any single platform.
• Audience Expansion: Different people prefer different media. By producing content in varied formats, you increase your chances of reaching and engaging more people.
• Revenue Streams: With multiple platforms come multiple ways to monetize content. Diversifying also helps in mitigating the revenue risks of any one platform becoming redundant.

How to Begin?

• Research: Understand the needs of your target audience. Where do they spend their time? What type of content resonates with them? Which mediums are underutilized in your niche?
• Funding: Setting up a company demands capital. Determine the startup costs and assess your funding options: personal savings, bank loans, investors, or crowdfunding.
• Build a Team: A multifaceted company needs experts in each medium. Collaborate with content creators, technology experts, marketing professionals, and financial advisors.
• Content Strategy: Ensure consistency across platforms while tailoring content to each medium’s strengths. Plan a release schedule and stick to it.
• Engage & Iterate: Engage with your audience, gather feedback, and iterate. Adaptability is key in the ever-evolving media landscape.

Spotlight: Legendary Publishing Houses and Their Journeys

• Louise Hay & Hay House: Louise Hay, an inspirational teacher, started Hay House in 1984. It grew from being a small venture, publishing Louise’s works, to a behemoth in the self-help and spiritual space, publishing titles by Dr. Wayne Dyer, Doreen Virtue, Kris Carr, Gabby Bernstein, and many others. The success of Hay House showcases the power of niche publishing and the importance of genuinely understanding, connecting with, and serving your audience.
• Simon & Schuster: Founded in 1924 by Richard L. Simon and M. Lincoln Schuster, it started with a mere puzzle book. Today, it’s a giant that’s published works of Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Stephen King. Their growth story underscores the need for perseverance, vision, and adaptability in the publishing world.

Growth Projections in Publishing & Production

The global publishing market is expected to grow by approximately $23 billion during 2021-2025, progressing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 1%. Factors like the increasing adoption of e-books and audiobooks are driving this growth. Simultaneously, the global film and video market is expected to reach nearly $400 billion by 2025, reflecting significant growth potential.

However, with the rise of new streaming platforms and a more global audience, these numbers might even see an upward revision. It’s a golden period for content creators, and the projections only point towards growth.

Words of Encouragement

The stories of Louise Hay, Simon & Schuster, and many others teach us that with vision, determination, and adaptability, it’s possible to create content empires that leave an indelible mark.

The current growth trajectories indicate that there’s no better time to join the publishing and production world.

Yet, the most compelling reason to start now is the inherent power of stories and content. In a world saturated with fleeting distractions, genuine, impactful content has the power to change lives, influence decisions, and shape cultures.

“There has never been a better time to go into filmmaking. There are lots of new streaming providers and they are all looking for quality content. Additionally, filmmakers are in high demand for commercials, music videos, and website and social media videos for companies, nonprofits, and influencers.” -Dave Walter; Director of Enrollment Management & Summer Programs; CU Denver College of Arts & Media

https://artsandmedia.ucdenver.edu/prospective-students/lynx-camps

https://artsandmedia.ucdenver.edu/areas-of-study/about-film-television

If you have a voice, a story, or an insight that you believe the world needs to hear, and/or if you have a keen eye for unique and important tales to tell, and can be a catalyst for them to manifest, there’s no better time to start than now. Dive deep, stay committed, and let your multifaceted publishing and production company be the beacon that guides, inspires, and enlightens countless souls in their life’s journey. The writing’s on the wall.