Finding a publisher to take on your project and print your book may take years, and proposal rejections can feel demoralizing. Suppose you’ve invested a significant amount of time and energy into photographing a project or want to showcase your portfolio without jumping through hoops of submitting to publishers — in that case, self-publishing a photobook is a viable option. [Read More…]

Large traditional photobook publishers are highly selective in their choices of what photography books they publish. They must carefully consider the artist’s reputation and the project’s marketability while also examining profit margins before publishing a photobook. From the design process to the book’s production, distribution, and marketing, their investment is enormous, involving many people to bring the book to fruition. Publishers like Phaidon, Chronicle Books, Damiani, and Steidl publish successful fine art photographers who have a base of collectors, gallery representation, and museum exhibitions. Traditional publishers assume the financial burden of the book — from design and production to marketing and distribution, with the photographer earning a percentage of royalties on each book sold, thus separating them from other publishing avenues.

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The number of photobook publishing companies has increased dramatically over the past two decades. Before 1999, there were approximately 92 presses compared to over 480 operating in 2021. Additionally, a photographer’s desire to publish photobooks has grown — as a means of self-promotion and self-expression. The accessibility to design tools and print-on-demand services has made it so that anyone can publish their work. But should they? This series of four articles will examine the ins and outs of photobook publishing. From traditional publishing houses to independent presses and self-publishing.

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