Got an idea for a holiday? Send it to us

Submit Now

171 Shares
171 Shares
TueJan 16

Book Publishers Day – January 16, 2024

Book Publishers Day is on January 16 every year. It is a day set aside to celebrate book publishers worldwide. Have you ever wondered how ideas get from the authors’ minds until they manifest into books that end up in the hands of readers all over the globe? These amazing people make it possible, and it is only proper that we have a special day to celebrate them!

History of Book Publishers Day

Publishing became possible with the invention of writing, and book publishers have been around for that long! Before the printing press, scribes would sit down and hand copy the works of other authors. However, the printing press introduced by Johannes Gutenberg sparked a new age of book publishing. The printing press gave a new tool to book publishers, and books started to get widely distributed.

The Chinese inventor Bi Sheng made a moveable type of earthenware circa 1045, but there are no known surviving examples of his work. The Korean civil servant Choe Yun-ui who lived during the Goryeo Dynasty invented the first metal moveable type around 1234. Early printed books, single sheets, and images were before 1501 in Europe these were known as ‘incunables’ or ‘incunabula.’

Traditional book publishers are selective about what they publish. They did not accept manuscripts straight from the authors, instead got a proposal of the manuscript then decided if they wanted to take on the job or otherwise. Book publishers buy or commission copy from independent authors; newspaper publishers, by contrast, usually hire staff to produce texts or employ freelance journalists. Magazine publishers may employ in-house writers and freelancers or have a mixture of both.

The publishing sector extends to governments, civil society, and private companies for administrative or compliance requirements, business, research, advocacy, or public interest objectives. These can include annual reports, research reports, market research, policy briefings, and technical reports.

Book Publishers Day timeline

1440
Printing Begins

Johannes Gutenberg invents the mechanical moveable-type printing press.

1609
Newspaper Publishing

The history of modern newspaper publishing starts in Germany.

1663
Magazine Publishing

The use of printing presses for publishing magazines begins.

1798
Printers in Africa

Missionaries bring printing presses to sub-Saharan Africa — Cairo.

Book Publishers Day FAQs

At what age can one publish a book?

Anyone can write and publish books, regardless of age. So, as long as you’re mature and skilled enough, you can create and publish books of your own.

What is the cheapest way to publish a book?

Making use of digital tools to publish an ebook is the cheapest way to self-publish a book, and some tech-savvy authors do the entire process on their own for free.

How difficult is it to get a book published?

Publishing a book may be difficult and time-consuming because the publisher must first get a suitable author whose book will be marketable. The next step is the two parties should agree on profit sharing. However, with a right and experienced author, it shouldn’t be too hard.

How to Celebrate Book Publishers Day

  1. Self-publish a book

    With the advent of digital devices, publishing a book isn’t as arduous as before. Go ahead, and publish that poem, article, or book you’ve always wanted to, using available internet platforms.

  2. Appreciate a publisher

    Do you know any publishers in your neighborhood or at some distant place? It is a perfect day to visit them, make a call, send a text or buy them a gift to appreciate them for the work they do.

  3. Enlighten others on the value of publishers

    Maybe not many people understand the effort and amount of work it takes to publish a book and make it available. Honor this day by highlighting to those that are clueless about the process, so they can see just how valuable publishers are.

5 Facts About Publishing That Will Amaze You

  1. It can be long and arduous

    The process includes creation, acquisition, copy editing, production, printing, marketing, and distribution.

  2. Publishers vary from one another

    There are four types of publishers in book publishing, namely, commercial publishers, self-publishers, vanity presses, and hybrid publishers.

  3. It occupies a large global financial spot

    The global book publishing industry accounts for over $100 billion of annual revenue or about 15% of the media industry.

  4. It can be super detailed

    Some of the major publishers have entire divisions devoted to a single franchise.

  5. It has as a specialized arm

    Directory publishing is a specialized genre within the publishing industry where publishers produce mailing lists, telephone books, and other directories.

Why We Love Book Publishers Day

  1. It highlights the value of publishers

    Without a book publisher, many authors would be unable to get their stories out there for people to read. This day shows us just how vital the roles publishers play in our world are.

  2. It helps us appreciate books more

    Understanding the arduous process it takes to make books available to us; will breed in us the value of books. It helps us treat books with the appreciation they deserve.

  3. It connects us with others

    This day provides a platform for various book lovers to come together in celebration of publishers. Through this, relationships are cemented between like-minded people, and ideas are shared.

Book Publishers Day dates

YearDateDay
2024January 16Tuesday
2025January 16Thursday
2026January 16Friday
2027January 16Saturday
2028January 16Sunday

Holidays Straight to Your Inbox

Every day is a holiday!
Receive fresh holidays directly to your inbox.