Publishing industry is an important part of a country's cultural industry, which generally includes the publication and distribution of books, periodicals, newspapers and audio-visual products.

Publishing industry is a comprehensive work involving economy, politics, science and technology, culture and other fields, and it is an effective tool to promote social progress. Its basic function is to accumulate and disseminate scientific and cultural knowledge.

Generally speaking, the publishing industry refers to the for-profit and formal publishing industry.