03 September 2024
|
Using professional services to publish your book doesn’t have to mean losing control, writes Erin Larson-Burnett of Atmosphere Press, as she explains author autonomy and the benefits of ‘hybrid publishing’.
You’ve poured your heart and soul into crafting a story that deserves to be shared with the world. When it comes to publishing, you have a crucial decision to make:
How to balance control over your book with a professional outcome?
This is where understanding author rights and publishing outcomes becomes essential.
- Transparent publishing contracts
- The hybrid publishing process
- Taking control of your publishing journey
- Understanding author rights
- Flexibility for authors
- Hybrid publishing: the best of both worlds
- Author first: choice and collaboration
- It’s your story, your way
- Your book: what are your goals?
In the ever-evolving world of publishing, authors are increasingly seeking ways to maintain control over their creative work while benefiting from professional publishing services.
This quest for autonomy has given rise to hybrid publishing models, which offer a middle ground between traditional and self-publishing, empowering you to maintain creative control while leveraging the expertise of a supportive publisher.
Transparent publishing contracts
Maintaining author autonomy largely hinges on understanding and negotiating favourable contract terms.
Many authors, especially those new to the industry, may feel overwhelmed by the legal jargon in publishing contracts. However, a good contract ensures both parties understand their responsibilities and limitations.
Atmosphere Press (the sponsors of this post) takes a refreshingly transparent approach by making their contract available for review on their website. This level of openness is rare in the publishing world and allows authors to make informed decisions about their publishing journey. Key points in Atmosphere’s author-friendly contract include:
- Authors retain 100% of their rights.
- No hidden fees or charges.
- Clear royalty structures.
- Termination clauses that favour the author.
This transparency builds trust and ensures that authors enter agreements with full knowledge of their rights and responsibilities.
‘As a new author, I knew nothing about publishing’ says author Teri M. Brown. ‘Atmosphere Press made it easy, walking me through each step and providing the expertise I lacked. They are truly author-centric and worked hard to be sure I was happy with the results.’
The hybrid publishing process
Self-publishing offers complete autonomy but requires navigating the complexities of editing, cover design, marketing, and distribution. Traditional publishing provides guidance and resources but often demands creative concessions.
Hybrid publishing bridges this gap, giving you control over your vision while leveraging a publisher’s expertise.
For example, Atmosphere Press’s comprehensive hybrid publishing process empowers your authorial autonomy by combining the best aspects of traditional and self-publishing. Authors retain full ownership of their rights and have the final say on their book’s content, cover design, and title.
Atmosphere works with authors on developmental editing, copy-editing, and proofreading, ensuring their manuscript shines. Their marketing and promotional support helps authors reach their target audience, and their distribution network provides access to major retailers and online platforms.
Taking control of your publishing journey
A good hybrid publisher will stand out by offering a unique approach that prioritizes author autonomy, while going a step beyond self-publishing by connecting you with a dedicated team of professionals, both for publication and for publicity.
As an example, Atmosphere Press is an independent publisher with a mission to put the power back into the hands of authors.
This philosophy is evident in every aspect of their publishing process as they operate with a highly collaborative approach.
Understanding author rights
Before diving into hybrid publishing, let’s establish a solid foundation: author rights. These encompass ownership of your intellectual property, including the content, characters, and plot of your book. Your story belongs to you.
Here’s a breakdown of key author rights:
- Copyright: Grants exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, adapt, and translate your work.
- Publication Rights: Determines who can publish your work and in what format (e.g., eBook, print, audio).
- Film/TV Rights: Controls adaptations into movies or TV shows.
Understanding these core rights empowers you to make informed decisions throughout the publishing process. The key takeaway? You have the power to shape your book’s journey. But rights alone don’t guarantee complete control.
Flexibility for authors
Understanding that each author’s needs are unique, Atmosphere Press offers three different levels of publication services.
This flexibility allows authors to choose what services they need while maintaining control over other aspects of their publishing journey. Some of these services include:
- developmental editing
- copy editing
- proofreading
- cover layout
- distribution setup
- publicity
These services are provided by a team of publishing professionals, ensuring high-quality results even for authors who choose to self-publish.
‘Working with Atmosphere Press has been a dream come true,’ says author J. Civi. ‘They respected my vision for my book while providing invaluable professional guidance. I felt supported throughout the entire process, and the end result exceeded my expectations.’
Hybrid publishing: the best of both worlds
Hybrid publishing, as exemplified by Atmosphere Press, offers a compelling middle ground between traditional and self-publishing. It allows authors to maintain control over their work while benefiting from professional services and industry expertise. This model is particularly attractive for authors who:
- Want to retain their rights and creative control.
- Seek professional-quality editing, design, and production.
- Desire support in navigating the publishing landscape.
- Want wider distribution than typical self-publishing options.
- Wish to build a long-term writing career on their own terms.
Author first: choice and collaboration
Hybrid publishing offers a wealth of resources you might not be aware of. Atmosphere Press in particular provides access to the following, all designed to empower your success:
- Author resources: Their online portal provides a treasure trove of information on editing, formatting, marketing, and book industry trends.
- Community support: Connect with fellow hybrid authors, share experiences, and gain valuable insights and inspiration.
- Dedicated project manager: You’ll have a dedicated point of contact to guide you through the process and answer any questions throughout the whole process.
Author Dan Hardwick says: ‘Atmosphere Press’s professionalism, efficiency, and meticulous attention to detail were both refreshing and impressive. They truly do it the right way—putting the best product out to the public while keeping the artist first and foremost in the process.’
Atmosphere Press believe in fostering a collaborative environment where your voice matters above all else. Their flexible model allows you to choose the services you need while retaining creative control. They offer a complimentary consultation to discuss goals and answer questions, ensuring you make an informed decision about your publishing journey.
- Be prepared! Research the hybrid publishing landscape and choose a reputable publisher with a transparent model.
- Ask questions! Don’t hesitate to ask your publisher about their services, pricing options, and author success stories.
- Stay engaged! Be an active participant in your book’s journey. Promote your work, connect with readers, and learn from your experiences.
There’s no single ‘best option’ for publishing success. The ideal approach depends on your unique book, budget, and goals. However, by understanding your rights, partnering with a supportive publisher, and actively promoting your work, you significantly increase your chances of achieving your publishing dreams.
It’s your story, your way
The publishing industry is evolving, and authors have more options than ever before.
Hybrid publishing models like Atmosphere Press are leading the way in empowering authors to take control of their careers without sacrificing quality or professional support. Remember, your words have power, and so should you in the publishing process.
As you navigate your publishing journey, consider partners who value your autonomy as much as your creativity. In doing so, you’ll not only publish your book but also set the foundation for a rewarding and autonomous writing career.
So, are you ready to share your story with the world?
Your book: what are your goals?
As an author in today’s market, it’s crucial to understand your options and choose a path that aligns with your goals and values.
Rights retention: Always read contracts carefully and understand what rights you’re granting to publishers. Seek legal assistance or consult author advocacy groups for support if you’re uncertain.
Creative control: Determine how much input you want in the editing and design processes. Will you have the final say? How many rounds of revision are included? Ensure the process respects your creative vision while allowing for professional input.
Royalties and earnings: Compare royalty structures across different publishing models and research industry standards for royalties in your genre to ensure you’re receiving a fair share.
Distribution: Evaluate the publisher’s distribution network and how it will get your book to readers. Check if your book will be available in multiple formats, such as print and digital, and through major retailers and distributors.
Long-term career: Reflect on how your publishing choices will influence your long-term goals and opportunities for growth as an author. Consider the potential for future projects and how the relationship with your publisher can support your aspirations.
For further information on Atmosphere Press:
- Tel: +1 512 522 2648
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: atmospherepress.com