Hybrid Publishing
why it worked for me and may not for you
When I started writing a memoir twenty-some years ago, I hadn’t given a thought to having it published. Before that, I had been a closet writer of personal essay, writing solely for my growth and satisfaction. Still, I shared my work, starting a blog and publishing monthly.
When I hit a wall with the memoir manuscript and felt stuck, I sought critiques and then rewrote the manuscript accordingly. A second round of feedback from one critiquer led me to a development editor. This felt like a good step forward, focusing on honing the story’s development.
As I self-taught the craft of writing, this process was all I knew. I delved deep into the genre, and my manuscript was in a perpetual state of revision. When the development editor eventually green-lighted the manuscript, she asked — and I can’t recall her exact words — something like, “Is it your intention to publish with She Writes Press?” Bolts of fear shot through me as I considered publishing to be reserved for “real” writers — authors with, you know, bylines. “If… if they’re interested in publishing my work,” I demurred.
I came through the back door of an open front door of hybrid publishing. At that moment, I didn’t care about the type of publisher. My memoir would be published!
I am not self-published. I am not traditionally published. I am hybrid published.
With hybrid publishing, I paid for a package of services, which included high-end custom cover design, interior design, e-book file conversion, traditional distribution, proofreading, copyright filing, warehousing of printed books, title metadata management, and more.
I quickly learned the pre-publication process: creating a Cover Memo (a description of the book — including mood, tone, and example covers for inspiration), crafting a Tip Sheet (a cheat sheet with my bio, headshot, links, book description, comp titles, target audience, key selling points, and blurbs) for the distributor sales force. Working through these steps required me to understand my book — its insides, outsides, and every page in between. I reasoned I wrote the book, so I should know my audience, selling points, and comparable books.
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There are myriad publishing routes for anyone who wants to publish a book. The internet is robust with information. Ultimately, how you publish is a personal choice.
Hybrid publishing worked for me because:
- I avoided the lengthy submission and wait time. Though vetted by the hybrid press, I was guaranteed publication once I signed on.
- I did not have a strong author platform. My followers were few, and my platform was underdeveloped. A robust platform wasn’t a requirement for hybrid publishing but often is considered by traditional publishers.
- I maintained control. Since this was my first book and a deeply personal memoir, it was important to stay involved in every step of the process and in the decisions to be made.
- Traditional publishing wasn’t an option. My book wasn’t market-driven, the memoir market was tight, and I was a debut author with no established name.
- Hybrid publishing offered better royalties. I stood to earn more compared to a traditional publisher percentage.
My advice?
- Don’t restrict yourself by jumping straight into self-publishing. Try submitting your work to a traditional publisher. While waiting for responses,
- Research hybrid publishers. For guidelines, check Independent Book Publishers Association https://www.ibpa-online.org/page/hybridpublisher
- Work on building your author platform.
- Connect with other authors. Ask about their publishing experiences.
- Do what makes sense for you.
I am fortunate to have partnered with my hybrid press. Beyond the tangible services, there are many unwritten perks: a community of writers, a wealth of knowledge, support, and guidance in navigating the ever-evolving publishing world.
Take advantage of any open door, or keep an eye out for a back door that might present itself.
Under the Birch Tree — A Memoir of Discovering Connections and Finding home (2018), The Wisdom of the Willow (2024), and Mercy Town (2025) are by She Writes Press.
