Buyer Case Studies

Business Challenge:

Generate a high volume of new titles using a lean staffing model

The average book publisher needs approximately two years to take a book from conception to print, and the predominant business model requires capital funding that is out of the reach of most small publishers.  This was the challenge for Atlantic Publishing – how to reinvent the traditional book publishing business model to enable their small business to survive – and thrive.

Solution:

Outsource writing, editing, and proofreading

To overcome the self-imposed challenge of limited in-house resources and to achieve its aggressive schedule of a six-month production timeframe, Atlantic Publishing outsources the writing, editing, and proofreading processes.

This approach creates a win-win outcome for both the providers and the company.  "A wonderful by-product of our business model is that unlike most publishers we create opportunities for new, stay-at-home, and part-time authors," said Angela Adams, Managing Editor.  "Many writers simply don't have the credentials to land a contract with a major publisher.  We love giving new authors the chance to establish themselves and get a few projects under their belt."
Once the company determines a new book title, staffers create a detailed project description and a provider is selected based on experience, writing samples, and a solid feedback history. 
While book layouts are frequently created in-house, freelance designers are hired when production demands are particularly heavy.  In addition, Elance providers translate select titles into other languages.

Results:

New business model for established publishing business

Atlantic Publishing meets its demanding production timetables by working with a variety of authors and editors, supplementing their current workforce with talented on-demand Elance freelancers. 

• Since 2001, Elance providers – writers, editors, proofreaders, designers, and programmers – have completed over 370 projects worth more than $190,000 for Atlantic Publishing.
• The business model has facilitated Approximately 125 titles currently in production or planned for 2008, and 150 new titles planned for 2009.