A publisher is a person or company that produces and distributes books, magazines, newspapers, or other written materials for the public to read. When an author finishes writing a book, they often send it to a publisher, who decides whether to print and sell it. The publisher handles the design, printing, marketing, and distribution, getting copies into bookstores and libraries.

Publishers play a crucial role in deciding which stories and ideas reach readers. A publishing house might specialize in children's books, textbooks, comic books, or scientific journals. Major publishers publish hundreds of books each year, while smaller independent publishers might focus on specific topics or local authors.

The word can also refer to someone who publishes other media. A newspaper publisher oversees the entire operation of producing daily news. A video game publisher distributes games created by developers. In each case, the publisher bridges the gap between creators and audiences, taking on the business side so creators can focus on their work.

Some authors today choose to self-publish, meaning they handle the publishing process themselves, but traditional publishers still bring expertise, resources, and reach that individual authors typically cannot match on their own.