Every so often it’s time to polish up the old comparison post since business models evolve and what was true a couple years ago has already changed and expanded.
I would like to see you do a resource one day about how to tell what is a predatory publisher. There are so many out there, I see many authors just repeat “if you have to pay anything, it’s a scam.” Obviously this is not strictly true — like everything in publishing there are no absolutes! — but I’d love to have a resource to link for people who are confused about whether something is predatory or not. I am sure it is also a frustration for you.
Well put! Very much along the lines I present to my clients and authors. I am a hybrid publisher based on the expertise and sales/distribution channels that are offered.
Thank you, @Brooke Warner. One quick question: Where can an author find a list of *LEGITIMATE* hybrid publishers -- the ones who truly earn their pay? My gratitude for such a url.
This article is helpful to any author who wants to get her book published without banging her head against the wall and trying to get traditionally published.
As always, you prove your point with great facts and present the options in a clear and thoughtful manner. You made a few new observations that really make sense. Thanks for being the voice of simple reason. Authors can make their own informed decisions with details like this.
Thank you, Brooke, for this enlightening piece. It certainly seems that ethical and experienced hybrid publishers are enabling new authors to get their work published and, as importantly, distributed. In the process, hybrid publishing is eroding the dysfunctional oligopoly power of the "Big Five" publishers. Brava!
I am just starting my second book, the working title of which is "Awakening Heart; The Art of Sacred Listening." I have 40 pages complete, and of course, this question is again up.
This week, I am participating, with 16 other authors, in a two day retreat, followed by six months of coaching with Jack Canfield, Steve Harrison, and Patty Aubrey, and 16 other authors. I know that the questions we authors have, and the distinctions between Indie, Hybrid, and Traditional, will be deep in that retreat, AND looked at with each author, with each of us having individual time with the three guides. Reading your article today clarified things for me, with my history with my first book, as an Indie author -- what was productive for me, and what was not.
I would say your paragraph, starting with "the only place you can truly go wrong" is your most important one, for me, and I hold it close.
Thank you for posting this important and comprehensive piece. So helpful for aspiring authors and for those of us in the biz who have to field this question!
I would like to see you do a resource one day about how to tell what is a predatory publisher. There are so many out there, I see many authors just repeat “if you have to pay anything, it’s a scam.” Obviously this is not strictly true — like everything in publishing there are no absolutes! — but I’d love to have a resource to link for people who are confused about whether something is predatory or not. I am sure it is also a frustration for you.
This is a great idea. I'll take you up on this soon!
Well put! Very much along the lines I present to my clients and authors. I am a hybrid publisher based on the expertise and sales/distribution channels that are offered.
Thank you, @Brooke Warner. One quick question: Where can an author find a list of *LEGITIMATE* hybrid publishers -- the ones who truly earn their pay? My gratitude for such a url.
Well... it's not easy to find and things change so fast. This is a curated list of publishers for an article I did not too long ago for Publishers Weekly, but not included in this list is Forefront and Authors Equity because they weren't on my radar at the time: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/90296-hybrid-publishing-spreads-its-wings.html
At least this is a starting point.
Gratitude, @Brooke Warner. The article provides a number of possibilities.
Very helpful and decent food for thought for a first time author like myself! Thank you for this !
Thanks for reading, Bessie.
I absolutely loved this!
I’ve been thinking a lot about this recently. I’m excited for the future of publishing and I think it’s going to change, drastically
Looking forward to zooming with you regarding your well-written points on hybrid publishing.
This article is helpful to any author who wants to get her book published without banging her head against the wall and trying to get traditionally published.
This is required reading for anyone considering which path!
As always, you prove your point with great facts and present the options in a clear and thoughtful manner. You made a few new observations that really make sense. Thanks for being the voice of simple reason. Authors can make their own informed decisions with details like this.
So clear and detailed! Thank you.
Thank you, Brooke, for this enlightening piece. It certainly seems that ethical and experienced hybrid publishers are enabling new authors to get their work published and, as importantly, distributed. In the process, hybrid publishing is eroding the dysfunctional oligopoly power of the "Big Five" publishers. Brava!
Thank you, Brooke. I write to you as an author.
I am just starting my second book, the working title of which is "Awakening Heart; The Art of Sacred Listening." I have 40 pages complete, and of course, this question is again up.
This week, I am participating, with 16 other authors, in a two day retreat, followed by six months of coaching with Jack Canfield, Steve Harrison, and Patty Aubrey, and 16 other authors. I know that the questions we authors have, and the distinctions between Indie, Hybrid, and Traditional, will be deep in that retreat, AND looked at with each author, with each of us having individual time with the three guides. Reading your article today clarified things for me, with my history with my first book, as an Indie author -- what was productive for me, and what was not.
I would say your paragraph, starting with "the only place you can truly go wrong" is your most important one, for me, and I hold it close.
Best of luck to you, Amba. You got this no matter what. You already have one beautiful book in the bag, and much more to say and gift to the world!
Thank you, thank you. That means a lot to me. A lot, a lot.
Thank you for posting this important and comprehensive piece. So helpful for aspiring authors and for those of us in the biz who have to field this question!
Totally my motivation. :) Next time I can send that author who's debating over here. I appreciate the comment, Jennifer!
Exactly. A link to a full reply is a great resource. I do the same thing with other subjects.
So helpful for so many writers I know.
A really useful guide, thanks Brooke!