Traditionally, a publisher is a person or firm that issues printed materials for sale. These materials include books, magazines, and other periodicals. They are often managed by a team of editors, who work with writers and illustrators. They are responsible for establishing editorial policy and ensuring that the publications are published correctly.
The scope of publishing has expanded to include digital information systems, including blogs and electronic versions of books. It has also expanded to include video game publishers, and electronic resources such as podcasts and websites.
In the United States, one-third of all periodicals are published by publishers. Larger publishing companies may focus on particular categories, while smaller publishing houses may focus on non-fiction or fiction. They may also pursue a mixed strategy to sell through all outlets.
Publishers are responsible for controlling the production schedule and costs. They also have the overall responsibility for developing content that is appealing to readers and profitable for advertisers. They can do this by making content more valuable and by establishing a strong connection with users.
Publishers make money by displaying ads and providing CPC offers to users. They need to balance the cost of production with the income they earn. They may also contract outside developers to develop software. They may also purchase off-the-shelf packages.
Publishers are also responsible for monitoring the performance of the company. They monitor the cost and performance of different departments, and they may deal directly with contributors. They may also oversee teams of designers and editors.