Book publications are books of printed matter that can be read on various-sized print devices such as laptops, desktops, handheld readers, and even portable hand held readers such as e-readers and pocket PCs. Book publications come in all different shapes and sizes and each different type has its own specifications and uses. Generally a book is a written medium for recording data in the form of text or graphics, usually bound together and enclosed by a hard cover. The technical term for this unique physical configuration is codex.

Book publishing is an art, a process in which the creative writer puts together words, images, or a combination of these into a written form that can be read and enjoyed by others. Book publishers go through a process to identify and describe the products that they have to offer. This process is known as marketing and it is a necessary part of book publications to get the publication noticed by potential buyers.

Book publications can be either published by traditional publishers or by university presses. University presses specialize in specialized journals that are aimed at a particular discipline of study. A specific journal of this nature will attract researchers from all over the world who want to make published in this journal, with special attention given to the field of study concerned. Normally one or more editors help to put together the contents of a peer reviewed journal. University presses usually have a longer lasting reputation than do independent publishers, although there is a difference between an academic journal and a general peer reviewed journal.

Book publications can also be made by librarians, commonly referred to as reference librarians. Reference librarians are academic and trained librarians who are responsible for managing, maintaining, and supporting databases that provide valuable resources to the academic community. Book librarians preserve documents in libraries, organize and classify them, and make copies of texts that have been published. Reference librarians perform many duties, such as maintenance of a library, maintaining inventories of materials, and making available manuscript and print references to users. They also provide guidance to students and other professionals interested in the field.

Private publishers normally produce small book publications for circulation among the public. Many publishers specialize in certain kinds of scholarly journal articles, including biographies and personal memoirs, which may not be suitable for publication by commercial publishing houses. The most popular formats for publishing private books are self-published or small press, often with a small “cloth bookmark” adhered to the title. This allows the publisher to create a vibrant advertising campaign designed to catch the attention of those interested in the particular topic. Although some small-press publications are actually news magazines, the majority of them are focused on a single subject with a limited range of topics.

Internet publishing has developed dramatically over the past several years. There are now several small publishing companies that operate solely online, allowing librarians to manage their websites, solicit donations, and publish content. Most academic publishers are now aware of the benefits of using e-publishing as a means of disseminating information. Most universities still prefer to receive printed manuscripts from established publishers.

Written by Jorge