How Authors Can Evaluate Small Publishers, Digital-Only Presses, and Hybrid Publishing Options
By
Jane Friedman
Crackling crust, pillowy middle. The kind of bagel that earns a second cup of coffee.
Summary
This article provides guidance for authors on how to evaluate small publishers, digital-only presses, and hybrid publishing options in the evolving book industry. It covers key factors to consider such as publisher reputation, distribution capabilities, contract terms, royalty structures, and the quality of editorial and marketing support. The piece helps writers navigate the increasingly complex landscape of publishing options beyond the traditional Big Five publishers.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledIn my annual chart, The Key Book Publishing Paths, there is one column that is most vexing and problematic for writers to navigate: small publishers.
Into this category falls some of the most prestigious publishers you can imagine, that can boast of New York Times bestsellers, and that writers dream of working with.
But it also includes publishers that started up last year out of someone's home office, run by people who may...
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