Publishing consultancy for the arts and culture sector.
Concept, editorial strategy, production, distribution and marketing for books and editorial projects in the arts and culture sector.
Books, catalogues and editorial projects remain some of the most powerful ways to build authority, reputation and legacy in the cultural world. But successful publishing is not just about producing a beautiful object. It requires a clear idea, a defined audience, the right publishing model, a practical distribution plan and a credible marketing strategy.
I help artists, galleries, museums, collectors, estates, cultural organisations and creative businesses turn publishing ideas into projects that can be made, launched and found by the right people.
Arts and culture publishing is a specialist field. The audiences are more defined, the credibility stakes are higher, and the value of a publication is often reputational as much as commercial. Getting the concept, the route and the plan right from the start makes the difference between a book that builds real value and one that doesn't.
Book concept and editorial strategy
Clarifying what the book is, who it is for, why it matters, how it should be structured and what kind of publishing route makes sense.
- Concept development
- Title and positioning
- Audience definition
- Contents structure
- Contributor strategy
- Sample copy and proposal development
- Editorial tone and visual direction
Publishing route and production planning
Advising on the best route to publication, whether traditional publishing, institutional publishing, self-publishing, co-publishing, sponsored publishing, limited edition or hybrid models.
- Publishing model
- Production workflow
- Budget planning
- Print and format options
- ISBNs and metadata
- Rights and permissions
- Schedule and supplier coordination
Distribution strategy
A beautiful arts book is only valuable if it reaches the right audience.
- Bookshop and specialist retail distribution
- Museum and gallery shops
- Online sales
- Direct-to-audience campaigns
- Limited editions and collector channels
- Art fair, biennale and event distribution
- Institutional and donor gifting
- Libraries, archives and academic routes
- International distribution considerations
- Amazon versus specialist art-book channels
- Wholesale pricing and margin planning
Marketing and launch strategy
Helping clients create attention, authority and sales around an arts or culture publication.
- Launch strategy
- Press and media positioning
- Cultural partnerships
- Events and talks
- Gallery, museum or bookshop launches
- Social and email campaigns
- Tastemaker outreach
- Author and artist profile building
- Sponsorship and patron engagement
- Collector, member and donor communications
- Podcast, newsletter and editorial opportunities
- Fair, festival and exhibition tie-ins
The right book, for the right audience, through the right route — with a clear plan for how it gets made, how it reaches people, and what it does for you.
Discuss a publishing project