Cost of a culture: Publishing practices and financial returns for fiction and nonfiction

Changes in both the book publishing and bookselling industries are marginalizing the publication of fiction, leaving this essential facet of Canadian culture at risk. This report examines differences between the publishing of fiction and nonfiction at Canadian trade publishing houses, in an attempt to explain why nonfiction is often more financially successful than fiction. Analysis of the processes used by the publishing departments at Key Porter Books, with additional examples from Penguin Canada and Pearson Canada, shows that costs are often lower for works of nonfiction. As well, fiction can be wildly successful, but the majority of it is a net loss for the publisher, while most nonfiction will make a profit. While Canadian publishers continue to support our national culture, it is important to understand that they do so in the face of commercial interests which encourage their publishing programs in other directions.