Art book publishing is a large part of the book publishing business. Art is a subjective term that covers a myriad of areas including, but not limited to, abstract, decorative, architectural, drawing and painting, and modern art.

Art book publishing companies are generally quite focused on a particular type and area of art. Finding a publisher of art books will not be difficult, finding one that specializes in the type of art you represent will be the challenge. You need to have some specific details available to share with any publishers of fine arts books, including:

1. Identify the fine art books category in which you are seeking to publish.

2. Know the title and intended audience for your art book.

3. Have an idea of the way to best lay out and present the material for your book.

4. Research and be able to share a list of publications that are directly competitive with your book.

5. Know the quantity of illustrations and images to be included in the book for pricing consideration.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Share your expert creative eye with publishers of fine art books

Specialize in fine art, architectural art and museum collections for higher residual payments than some other art subjects. Combine superb photography with great commentary to paint a better picture than some of your competition.

I recommend: Exceptional quality publications are the cornerstone of Hudson Hills Press, which is open to reviewing submissions for fine art book publication. Proposals for specialty visual arts books can be submitted to Lord Humphries. Assouline loves fine art books that capture cultures and bring them to life.

Know your niche and focus in on specific publishers of art books

There are some generalized art books, but most are very narrow in topic and scope. Seek out the fine arts book publishers who are most interested in your primary focus area.

I recommend: The Abbeville Press fine art publishing house produces illustrated and art books for the international market. Alexandria Press focuses on Byzantine, Russian and Islamic culture.

Flip the page to a fine arts book publisher with broad tastes

Some fine arts book publishers produce books that cover a spectrum of topic areas which can include performing arts, music, food and cookery, film, photography, and books for children. If your book idea focuses on a topic that appeals to a wide audience, finding a publisher targeted the same way is the best avenue to follow.

I recommend: Phaidon Press welcomes art book proposals in many topic areas. SearchForPublishers.com is a quick way to get a list of art book publishers for your book idea.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The fine arts book publishing field is as competitive as any other publishing field, however a publisher of fine arts books is always seeking talent to fit into their portion of the industry.
• •  An excellent way to identify a publisher for your art book is to look at already-published art books tailored to your subject matter and presentation ideas.