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Have you ever heard the term, “hybrid writer”? (Or, perhaps, “hybrid author”?) It’s somewhat of a misnomer, because the “hybrid” part of the expression actually refers to the writer’s involvement with the business of publishing, rather than writing. An increasing number of published/publishing writers refer to themselves this way; the reference denotes a writer who is or has been published by another, often “traditional,” publisher, and who is also self-publishing.
If you’ve known me or worked with me for any length of time, you’ve possibly heard my take on self-publishing before. I have seldom been in favor of it — for a number of good reasons, in my opinion — although, the publishing landscape has morphed dramatically over the past 2 decades and there may even be some appropriate times to consider self-publishing.
In recent years, I have come to soften a bit in my rigid rejection of self-publication. I can’t say that I’m a proponent of it, but I will support the practice of it by already published authors who are familiar with the professional steps of publication and who want alternative promotion and financial venues. I have also known a handful of writers, in their 70s and 80s, even, who have gone the self-publishing route for fear of “running out of time.” It’s never been easy to get published traditionally, and it’s harder now, due to all the folks wanting to be published (even when they possibly shouldn’t be), and with fewer traditional publishers offering contracts. So, I do have sympathy for skilled writers, getting up in age, who have dreamed of being published, yet have never had the opportunity.
I know this subject is controversial for writers; I’m not asking anyone to agree with my point of view here. Instead, I want to share my changing attitudes toward self-publication, while emphasizing the main thing that I think makes the biggest difference in an author’s choice to self-publish.
Editing. (You probably guessed that was coming.)
Whatever your reasons for pursuing self-publication, should you, please make professional editing a priority before putting your manuscript out in public. Unedited (and poorly-edited) books are what give self-publication its embarrassing reputation. If you think self-publishing is a good idea, a lucrative possibility, a show of control over your writing destiny, go for it! Go for it from the perspective of a publisher, rather than from the vantage-point of your authorship.
If you decide to wear the different hats of those in the various positions needed to create a book, think and act in the manner of those who’d otherwise normally wear those hats.
A professional publisher wants to nurture a good product. And so should you. Hire a careful editor, or be your own careful editor, at the very least. Study book design and marketing techniques, and make sure the presentation of your book is the very best it can be.
There are more readers today who are eager to give self-publishing writers a chance. They are willing to pay you for your efforts — but they are also not shy about giving you bad reviews. Internet accessibility makes this result a given, particularly when most of today’s books are available digitally, if also in print. In online shopping, bad reviews produce slow-to-no sales.
Self-publication is not a shortcut to fame or wealth. Today’s digital and print-on-demand technologies provide great opportunities, but in order to make them work for you, you still need to do your best.
Hybrid writers typically have more confidence in their abilities to move from traditional publishing to self-publishing than unpublished writers do. They’ve earned their confidence from experience working with professional editors and/or publishers. I’ve listened to hybrid writers singing the praises of “going independent” when they can’t sell a book to a publisher or want to try to get more money for it, and taking that path may well be in their best interests.
I advise against believing that’s the best answer for you, too, though, if you don’t already know your manuscript is in tip-top shape for wide-audience consumption. To reiterate, a bad, self-published book can short-circuit all of your future, independent sales by virtue of negative social reviews. That’s a big part of today’s intrinsic changes in the field of publishing. On the positive side, a nearly worldwide market awaits well-written (revised, edited, et al) books. And the same social body of expectant readers may glowingly propel your work within sight of many additional, paying customers.
Whether you want to be published by a traditional or independent publisher, or prefer to publish yourself, producing an enjoyable, readable book you can be proud of is infinitely possible in today’s publishing worlds. The keys to those potential Edens are found in the editing stages.
Want to know more about the widely different types of editing available to authors and poets through Hanninen Freelance Editing? Visit my Services page for information.