Welcome to the May issue of Books+Publishing’s monthly Independent Publishing newsletter.
As well as the latest news from the world of publishing, below I’m drawing attention to a new report out of the UK which examines the practice of ‘hybrid publishing’—deals in which an author pays to be published while also handing over the rights to their work. The survey findings and arguments made by the report’s authors—the Society of Authors and the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain—make a convincing case against these sorts of predatory deals. I’m interested in hearing from anyone in Australia who has experience with hybrid publishers—please get in touch if this is you.
Also this month, Independent Publishing chatted to writer C S Cooper, who shares his experience selling books by independent authors at Sydney’s Easter Show. He has some valuable tips about the nitty gritty of running physical events, as well as some interesting advice on the value of speech and drama lessons for emerging writers.
As always, please reach out to me with any feedback or questions about the newsletter.
Happy reading (and writing)!
Brad Jefferies
Editor, Independent Publishing