Monday Musings: How does it feel to be a Hybrid Author? by Vonnie Davis

WHAT IS A HYBRID AUTHOR?
A writer who has traveled both paths to publication. Traditional publishers with a contract and self-publishing where you, the author, hire an editor, cover designer, and do all the marketing yourself.

When phrased like that, going traditional sounds better. But few good writers are able to get a contract. Editors want books written to the market. It makes no difference how well your book is written; if an editor doesn't see dollar signs, your literary baby won't be contracted. And, once it's contracted, you'll have roughly an 18 month wait until it releases. You can have 3 or 4 other books written by then.

When you self-publish, you get to write about what you want. For example, I can use my off-the-wall sense of humor. I can write to please my readers not my publisher's bottom line. I can write about the characters in my brain, not the ones dictated to me. There's more creativity control.

But, as I read other Indie authors, I realize we have to be edited to death to make us come off as professional writers. There are minor mistakes our eyes just don't grasp--and I include myself in this assessment.

Let's not even mention plot holes or mundane dialog or characters that are about as appealing as a case of poison ivy on your privates.

I never planned on going Hybrid. I didn't think I had a large enough following to make the gamble worth it. I still might not. But, for various reasons, I'm giving it a try.

Some of my indie works will be new editions of previously published works, like my award-winning STORM'S INTERLUDE and the RED HAND CONSIPIRACY, a three-book series set in Paris, Budapest, and Berlin. Handsome government agents, plucky women, terrorists--and humor, lots of humor. Some of my indie works will be new works, like my holiday read UP THE CHIMNEY. You see, I enjoy doing my own thing. I only hope my readers enjoy what my creativity produces for them. I'll keep you informed.