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The Title P&L (Profit & Loss) Statement is a spreadsheet that actively models the impact of different factors (pricing, costs, quantity, etc.) on a title's potential profitability. Only in use for the past two decades, the Title P&L has become one of the most useful tools across the publishing spectrum, and a building block for successful publishing finances. In these times of shrinking margins and higher costs, not using P&Ls can actually put your house at risk.

In this course, you will learn how the Title P&L can help your house choose acquisitions more wisely, make editorial, creative and production decisions more wisely and ensure the books your publish have the greatest chance of contributing to your houses's profit.

With illustrated videos, sample spreadsheets, and free specialty templates to choose from, you will get a first-hand look at how powerful the P&L is, and how you can create (or improve) P&Ls specifically for your needs.

You will learn:

  • how P&Ls provide a basic tool, especially for acquisition;
  • how the various parts of the P&L are created and by whom;
  • how changes to the P&L affect profitability;
  • what are the drivers of contribution to profit;
  • about the 4 stages of the P&L (Editorial Acquisition, Development, Final Projection, Publisher), and how each stage works, and
  • how to make the P&L relevant to the different stakeholders within your publishing house.

Finally, you'll be able to choose from and modify exclusive P&L templates to use in your house, or improve on the one you are already using.

After taking The Title P&L, you have the knowledge to use this powerful and single modeling tool against which all options and decisions along the publishing path can be tested. You will watch your title profitability rise, and your risks fall.


Your Instructor


Douglas Pfeiffer
Douglas Pfeiffer

Douglas is a book publishing executive with a trade book and magazine publishing experience spanning 40 years.

He worked for Kodansha Publishing (Tokyo), American West Publishing Company, Rono Graphic Communications, Graphic Arts Center Publishing Company, and most recently he was the Publishing Director of Ingram Content Group’s book publishing laboratory, Graphic Arts Books, for five years. His experience includes senior management positions as well as editorial acquisitions, sales and marketing. Douglas helped guide the acquisition of the assets of three publishers to expand the companies where he worked.

In January 2015, Douglas Pfeiffer Consulting LLC was established to consult with book publishers after Douglas retired from Graphic Arts Books/Ingram. His clients range from London, England to Santa Monica, California. He assists publishers with identifying areas for improvement, profitability issues, improved sales, distribution options, marketing programs, as well as editorial strategies. Douglas also is a Senior Advisor with The Fischer Company where he assists with M &A transactions.


"I have been in the publishing business for more than 20 years, and already knew that Title P&L charts were important tools for identifying success and profitability. This course is a great reminder of how valuable Title P&Ls really are. Since taking the class, I have been busy rebuilding our company’s charts. You should do the same. Thanks for the great sample templates, too!"

-- Bill Fessler, Publisher, American Traveler Press

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.