Types of Publishing

Throughout the industry there are different types of publishing, and each illustrator can find specific cubbies which their work will suit perfectly. The market for literature throughout the world is huge and has many sub-markets with specific targets and audiences. Understanding these different types of publishing is important and can help me identify the ideal aspect of this for me to explore.

General/ Consumer Publishing

• Mass market paperbacks
• Accounts for 60% of sales in the UK
• Includes widely known, popular titles, both fiction and non fiction
• Does not include children's books
• Can be anything narrative

Children's Book Publishing

• Rapidly gaining in popularity in recent years
• A lively, exciting aspect of consumer publishing
• Has more sub-markets within the genre- ie age ranges

Journals

• Include educational, academic, scientific, technical and medical publications
• 3D illustrations are popular (especially in medical proffesions)
• Holds lots of opportunities for graduates specialising in this area

Newspapers/ Editorial

• Includes magazines, newspapers, editorials, periodicals
• Can be in house as well as commissioned
• Has a high turnover of images
• Runs to tight deadlines
• Takes on many new graduates 

Looking at the rundowns of each type of publishing, at this moment in time I would place myself in the children's book category, with interests in educational and academic texts. Therefore I will be researching popular publishers within these markets, in order to gain insight into the industry.