China has a long and complex history of relating to the outside world. With its recent entry into the World Trade Organization, China is now committed to comply with the principles and rules of the international trading system as the largest trading country to join the system. China's commitment offers new commercial opportunities for foreign companies, which in turn will transform the domestic economy. The common need throughout the process will be information, documentation, reporting, and education on all levels and in all parts of the huge country. Therefore, the publishing industry will play a critical part in providing the key information elements required by a country that is on fast forward.The Publishing Industry in China is a timely volume that covers all aspects of China's book, magazine, and online publishing industry. Ten contributing authors have been carefully selected to represent their sector of the publishing industry and to provide a critical analysis of both present conditions as well as trends for new developments in book and magazine publishing. Eleven chapters discuss the different market segments of trade, scientific, technical, professional, education, and children's books. The economics and distribution of both book and magazine publishing are covered in separate chapters. Finally, there are guidelines for international magazine publishers to enter the market and how translation or co-publishing rights for books can be developed during this period of growth and development. A concluding chapter reviews the challenges and developments of education and professional training for the publishing industry. An appendix provides published references and web sites for further background information and resources. The Publishing Industry in China stands alone as the only comprehensive guide and reference source to understanding recent developments and trends as well as providing guidelines for the single largest market in the world. It is essential reading for all publishers who wish to explore growth in the international arena. Robert E. Baensch is associate professor of publishing and director of the Center for Publishing, New York University. He is currently on the board of the Book Industry Study Group and editor for the Publishing Research Quarterly.