A Peek at the Publishing Process
The world of publishing is vast, complex, and shrouded in mystery. Last year, I took a course that helped demystify the industry for me (shoutout to Luvvie Ajayi Jones and The Book Academy!).
One of the most important things I learned was this: You have more than two choices in publishing. It’s not just (a) going the traditional route with an agent and a Big-Five publishing house or (b) doing it completely on your own.
There’s a third way: The hybrid way.
What is hybrid publishing?
Exactly what it sounds like: A cross between traditional and self-publishing. Hybrid publishing is a vital pathway for writers from underrepresented backgrounds or those, like me, with small followings but big dreams.
What are the benefits of hybrid publishing?
Speed. In traditional publishing, you need to get accepted by an agent and then a publisher, which can take ages. In hybrid publishing, as soon as your pitch or proposal is accepted by a publisher, you’re off to the races.
Help. In self-publishing, you have to find your editor, illustrator, designer, etc. on your own, which can be overwhelming. Hybrid publishers can help connect you with vetted partners, which can save a lot of time and stress.
Control. A traditional publisher will likely try to tweak everything from your title to your cover design, which may or may not align with your vision. In hybrid publishing, you’re footing the bill, so what you say, goes.
Future rights. In most cases, you retain the copyright to your book and its photos/illustrations. That means if, someday, you want to develop your book into a show, movie, or Broadway musical, you don’t have to fight your publisher to do it.
What are hybrid publishing’s drawbacks?
Cost. Not gonna lie — doing this ain’t cheap.
Fraudsters. Not all hybrid publishers are legit, and it’s not always easy to tell who is. Do your research. Make sure to ask any publishers you’re interested in for the names of previous authors who can speak to what it’s like to work with them.
Time commitment. Although hybrid publishing isn’t as labor-intensive as self-publishing, you’re still shouldering a somewhat heavier load than you would in traditional publishing.
Few, if any, marketing connections. Traditional publishers may have in-house publicists or trusted partners who can help get your name and book in front of media and influencers. Hybrid publishers typically don’t, and if they do, it’s an additional cost.
Would I recommend hybrid publishing?
I hate it when people give me this answer but … it depends. If I were publishing a nonfiction book or memoir, where illustrations and design weren’t core to the book, I’d probably consider self-publishing. And if I were born without rejection anxiety, I might try to land an agent.
But I’m publishing a picture book. And, yes, I have intense rejection anxiety. For those reasons, working with a well-regarded hybrid publisher like Wise Ink Media was the best route for me to take.
Is making this big of an investment scary AF? YES!
Is it even scarier given (gestures wildly) all of the things happening in the world right now? YOU BET!
But publishing a book has been a lifelong dream for me. And I believe deeply in the message this book is written to deliver. Now, more than ever, kids need to foster a sense of self-confidence and self-trust as the world around them transforms seemingly by the day.
To learn more about Morty and how you’ll be able to buy the book this fall, visit his page on this website and sign up for the Morty Memo newsletter at the bottom!