Welcome to the June issue of Books+Publishing’s monthly Independent Publishing newsletter.
After running a summary of a UK report on hybrid (paid for) publishing in the May newsletter, I’ve spent the past month talking to authors, publishers and other industry people about the market for hybrid publishing in Australia. It’s a topic that generates a lot of passionate responses on both sides.
The main take-away for authors considering a hybrid deal is to do your own research. Before signing, you must know about who you’re giving your money to, and what you’re paying for. You’ll find the full results of my little investigation into the topic below, as well as a comprehensive checklist courtesy of the Australian Society of Authors.
It would be remiss of me to not mention up top that history was made in the past month, with Michael Winkler becoming the first self-published author to make the Miles Franklin longlist, for his novel Grimmish. I’ve linked to a piece he wrote for the Age below, which I’m sure many indie authors will find inspiring.
Thanks to everyone who has reached out to share their experience or expertise with me. As always, please get in touch with me at brad@booksandpublishing.com.au with any feedback or questions about the newsletter.
Happy reading (and writing)!
Brad Jefferies
Editor, Independent Publishing