Official definition
This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in publishing newspapers, periodicals, books, databases, software and other works. These works are characterized by the intellectual creativity required in their development and are usually protected by copyright. Publishers distribute, or arrange for the distribution of copies of these works. Publishing establishments may create the works in-house, or contract for, purchase, or compile works that were originally created by others. These works may be published in one or more formats including traditional print form, digital and online. Publishers of multimedia products, such as interactive children's books, multimedia CD-ROM and digital video disk (DVD) reference books, multimedia digital books, and musical greeting cards are also included. Establishments in this subsector may print, reproduce or offer direct online access to the works themselves or they may arrange with others to carry out such functions.