More Thoughts on Being a Hybrid Writer and My Self-Publishing Discoveries

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

On Monday’s post, I received a comment from Colleen…she was interested in hearing more about balancing or approaching life as a hybrid writer—someone who is both traditionally published and self-published.

She mentioned (and she’s right) that many self-pubbed/indie authors aren’t at all interested in being traditionally published.  She was curious about how I handle both worlds.

And…it’s interesting sometimes.  But for me, a job is a job. I have traditionally published series with readers who want more books, so I’m providing them more books.  I recently signed a contract with Penguin for more mysteries in the Southern Quilting series.

Truths About Being a Hybrid Writer

 by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

I’ve discovered that there are many things that I like about being a hybrid writer (one who self-publishes as well as publishes traditionally.)

I like the visibility that traditional publishing still affords me.  There are still some folks out there who shop in bookstores and have discovered me that way.  Penguin’s mysteries do tend to get decent visibility on Amazon, too, and they’re doing a good job with Facebook mentions and tweets on their end.

I like that my output tends to be higher when I’m working with my publishers’ deadlines.

I like the editing and story development assistance that I receive from my editors.

On the other hand, I like the higher income that I receive from self-publishing.