How to Publish a Book in 2025 | Traditional vs. Self vs. Hybrid Publishing

[@MYlearning-f7l]

I self-published a book through Amazon after failing to get a literary agent. I sold over 2000 copies through Amazon, Ingram, local bookstores, and community functions. A local charter school adopted my book into its 8th grade curriculum. But I struggle with imposter syndrome because the book was not traditionally published. Also, a local newspaper book critic said they won't write a review of any self-published books. I plan to look for a literary agent when I am finished with my next manuscript. Thank you for all your videos and insights! I love your channel.

[@bodine219]

If it helps, A Christmas Carol, Leaves of Grass, and Eragon were all self-published originally. Imposter syndrome is just that. There's usually no merit in it.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

I definitely think you've made a big impact as an author, regardless of the way you have published! But I also wish you the best of luck with finding a literary agent! It seems like your goals line up with what traditional publishing can give, so I hope you go as far as possible with your writing.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Definitely! Imposter syndrome is a human reaction, but it doesn't mean it's the truth--if you're finding success in your endeavors, it's because you've put in that work to get it!

[@pillsber]

@@bodine219 Also Beatrix Potter self published her own book after being flatly rejected by countless publishers. Later they were on their knees begging her to publish her book. One other thing; A Christmas Carol was the single book that made Dickens all his money. He wrote it in six weeks and self funded the illustrations. It's only 30k words too-proof that word count is not significant. Stephen King's Carrie was about 20k words by the way. Robert Crais' Monkey's Raincoat about 30k words or so; it's one of the best detective stories ever written. I'm glad you chimed in here with your comment.

[@richardquiroz4808]

Congratulations on your book!

[@keriwyattkent9687]

Amazon's KDP does Print on Demand, not just ebooks. It's a great option for self-publishing. In fact, they do both paperback and hardback books for self-publishers. (Print on demand)

[@jimmypinero]

The best writing/book-publishing KZbinr on the web. Bar none.

[@DrakeEastwood]

Here's my plan to get published: write an amazing book. Thanks for the helpful videos.

[@BudsCartoon]

I think we're all hoping for that for ourselves. The business side is why I hire lawyers and accountants. I'm an artist. I have no interest in commissions or contracts.

[@JeffeMusique]

Good video! You've mentioned here and elsewhere that we "need to do our research" regarding [various things]. Always good advice. I've decided that, in a few months time, when I'm ready to send query letters for my first novel, I'm going to give myself one year to land a traditional book deal, all the while continuing to write further books in the series. If I don't get a traditional deal, I'll look into hybrid. I'd love to see a video from you on "how to research the reputations of hybrid or self publishing platfoms."

[@antonycurtis8663]

Thanks Alyssa, I have just started my own publishing company to publish (Anisian Publishing) my books and your videos have been a great help. Thank you 😊

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Wow, congrats!

[@kennedic4403]

Which genres do you support?

[@solutionfocusedhypnotherap4011]

@@kennedic4403 We support all genres of good quality work in both fiction and non-fiction.

[@smitinathan]

So happy I found your channel today! This is a great overview!

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for commenting!

[@simpsong00]

You do an excellent job of keeping the videos concise and informative! Nice work! Thanks.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

I appreciate that!

[@TalkingRubbish]

I self publish because traditional publishing always sounds scary! Saying that, your videos have inspired me to give traditional publishing a go this year as I'm close to finsihing a fantasy novel. 👍

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Wonderful! I wish you luck as you pursue the traditional publishing process!

[@deanevipond5387]

Hey , great balanced approach. Not enough of this sort of no-nonsense advice and info, especially on scammer-alert content. Well done, keep it up.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@deanevipond5387]

Hey thanks for coming back. You have a heap of stuff, but hoping you might have a session you can direct me toward specific on Self-help publications? There is a plethora of info on novels/fiction across youtube but not much on non-fiction publications. I'm about to self-publish a self-help / life experience themed paperback/180 pages, and are in the throes of a marketing plan, but wouldn't mind gathering/sharing idea in this space. Happy to comms direct on email if you prefer. Thanks, D

[@johnrobson2412]

Thanks for the video. My plan for 2022 is to finish writing and self-editing the thriller I have been working on, have a few beta readers do their thing, review and revise as needed and look for an editor.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

You can do it!

[@clintoreilly]

Thanks Alyssa. Insightful as always.

[@mjhprofessional]

I just wanted to comment that I do find your videos so very informative and insightful. So thank you for the service that you are providing for aspiring writers in their pursuit to take it to the next level.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you're able to take a lot out from my videos!

[@IchNachtLiebe]

I saved enough money to take a few months off to write a book. At first I put in 6 to 8 hour days 5 days per week. But, over the last 3 or 4 weeks I've gone sunday to saturday 8 am to 7 pm. I've edited over and over utilizing proofreading tools. I've used critical english experienced family members to beta read. I'm still not all the way done, but dag nabbit I will have a professional looking manuscript within the next couple of weeks.

[@chiptankgirl]

I'd be interested in hearing more about independent publishers and how they work. I realize it's not an area you necessarily know much about, but I thought I'd throw that out there.

[@5canwalk]

Clear sharing of the differences! Thank u!🎉❤

[@jeffreymartin5606]

Great information, Alyssa!

[@bsopas]

Thanks for the tips. I really enjoy your videos. Close to the finish line on the first draft of my thriller/contemporary noir detective/horror novel. My MC is Dallas based, since you are from the area as well, would love to hear your thoughts on setting. I always felt it is an overlooked local.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Wonderful! I'll definitely add setting to my list of future videos, thank you for the suggestion!

[@boddhiwood9726]

Thank u. Your channel is very helpful...

[@rowan7929]

And I really hope I get an agent this year to finally get traditionally published. I lost more than enough money being self-published.

[@katgreer6113]

i feel like that's not talked about enough. self publishing takes a lot of money.

[@Gamble661]

I'm arriving late to the party here but I've just subscribed to your channel and I find it very interesting. Don't know if you check back on old videos but if you do I have a question. Why do most agents refuse to consider manuscripts that have already been self-published? I have two collections of short stories that I self-published on Amazon a few years ago without ever even submitting them to any agents. Now when I go on agents sites almost all refuse to consider previously self-published work and I wonder why.... And thanks from a new subscriber for your very helpful videos!

[@AlyssaMatesic]

This is a great question! It's because agents work with and sell First Rights, which is the right to be the first to publish a piece. Because those books have already been published (even though it was through your own means/a self-publishing platform), that book no longer has First Rights to be sold. There's further legal details on this matter that you can look up online/from other resources, but that's the general reason why!

[@Gamble661]

@@AlyssaMatesic Thanks for answering that question, I had no idea that was why. Shame, they're probably missing out on some good works....

[@Jake_Fleming]

2:00

[@MRSTEEL15]

I wrote my first ebook.on my life as a nightclub bouncer in 3 major cities: NY, MIAMI and LOS ANGELES. I Used BookBABY......I feel i rushed it, so now I'm looking to redo the whole thing and this time? Do it properly. Your video really helped me out...I do appreciate it and I subscribed 😊

[@PierreLaBaguette]

Hi, great short video. What kind of books have you worked on as an editor back at PRH?

[@bheeshamkumar1186]

Very informative.... thanks 😊

[@melvindodson6827]

This is great 😊

[@conroykm]

Excellent overview, Alyssa. Your videos are always concise and enlightening. I'm nearing the completion of my slow burn, sci-fi thriller. I plan to contact literary agents when it's ready. So, I am aiming for traditional publishing but will certainly look closer at the other options you covered.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Best of luck!

[@kaiyueutc11]

Could you recommend the consultant/teacher/ publisher to help children’s self publish efforts for the book with drawings /pictures completed by the children?

[@chrisk8208]

Liked and subbed with thanks.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Welcome!

[@meekdook4236]

At what point do you use traditional publishing as a debutant? Do you wait until the whole book is written or do you do it earlier? I’m like 5 chapters into my book at the time.

[@Cosplayandcoffee]

I have some video suggestions/requests if that’s okay! 1. Traditional Book Publishing From Beginning to End: how long it should take you to write a book (realistically, I know this varies but if I want to get published in 5 years, is that do-able if I’m in draft mode still?)? What the standard timeline from getting an agent to selling to the big 5? What’s the standard timeframe from selling to a publisher to getting the book on the shelf, etc. If this is covered in another video, please let me know! 2. Traditional Book Publishing and Marketing: How much marketing is up to the author? Do you still need beta readers/critique partners with trad. publishing? If so, does this need to be done before pitching to an agent? And my biggest question: how are new authors becoming best sellers with no social media presence (ex: “Local Missing Woman”)? What type of marketing is done to get these authors to this level? Is it on the author AND the publisher, or is it a matter of using booktokers/tubers in today’s world? Can you tell I work in marketing? lol

[@AlyssaMatesic]

This is a wonderful comment, thank you for all these suggestions! I'll respond to them in order. 1. I do have a video loosely tracking the traditional publishing process here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4qvmYyXg5WrabM 2. When traditionally publishing, the house you're working with will handle all the marketing and publicity for the book. Of course, you're welcome to do some marketing on the side, but they do have a team of professionals to back you up. 3. For beta readers/critique partners, I recommend anyone serious about publishing to get in touch with these writing communities for feedback. Having a group of people commenting on and critiquing your work will always make your book stronger, regardless if it's self or traditionally published. Usually, they factor in before you query literary agents, as they provide more informal editing services. 4. This is a great question with a long answer, so I'll add it to my list of video suggestions. I'll come back to this comment thread when it comes out!

[@Cosplayandcoffee]

@@AlyssaMatesic wow, thank you so much for taking the time to answer so thoroughly! If my book had already been critiqued/beta read is that something I can use to my advantage in my query? Or do agents not really care one way or the other? ETA: I only ask because the process I learned about using multiple (10+) beta readers will easily add an extra 3-6 months *before* I even query.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

@@Cosplayandcoffee Mentioning the amount of times your work has been edited in your query letter won't make too much of an impact, in my opinion, as first the agent is looking to see how interested they are in your story & it's premise. If it has a stellar premise but still needs a little work, they would still be interested in eventually representing you. But, if it's immaculate but doesn't appeal to their taste, they won't offer representation. Thank *you* for these in-depth questions!

[@mrswaim]

Excellent video Alyssa! I like that you got so much info out in just over 10 minutes, very concise. I'm currently writing my query letter and synopsis so I can start down the path for a traditional deal on my fantasy novel. I have a question, if you don't mind. I got impatient a couple years ago and put one of my books on KDP but then took it down almost immediately because I realized it wasn't ready for publishing. Would that disqualify it from a traditional publishing house?

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Glad the videos are helpful! In regards to your book, it depends on whether you retained the rights to your book when you self-published it. I would suggest looking into any contracts you may have signed to figure it out. Best of luck!

[@DelphineTamukong]

Thanks for sharing this great video. I have a question. I already have book one and two of a book on Amazon KDP with their free ISBN, can I publish book three and four with my own ISBN or can I unpublished the first two books and buy my own ISBN and then republish?

[@NicolasCurcioWriter]

Question for you - you know how often publishers make a big deal about an author's "DEBUT" book? If I self-publish something, am I potentially shooting myself in the foot because if I get trad published in the future, it won't be my "debut" ?

[@StatmanRN]

My thoughts are that for any real chance at success Commercial Publication is the bet route IF your work is strong enough nd commercially viable- and you can get past the gatekeepers prejudices. After all, their livelihood depends on knowing the market.. Backup plan is with Indie publishers. If both fail, I may consider self publishing if only for the sense of accomplishment.

[@steakismeat177]

Honestly the advance is basically like free money. You're getting a guaranteed paycheck regardless of how well your book does. If your book does super well you'll then make royalties

[@TheEccentricRaven]

I am going to traditionally publish it's what works best in my situation. I’ve noticed that so many self published writers have a spouse or partner to lean on. As a single, I need to work my job to get benefits. If I self published, i wouldn't have time to write and work my full-time job. I'm also prone to anxiety disorder. I would be too overwhelmed to handle everything- editing, marketing, cover design, etc. I just want to write. I'm a writer, not a publisher. I want to be like all of my favorite authors who are traditionally published.

[@ZeljanaMiljevic]

Thank you for that! I feel the exact same way. I want to pour my energy into the craft of writing, not hiring editors and cover designers!

[@brittanyarrington3971]

When traditionally publishing, do you have any input in the book design? My wip if high fantasy, so maps are a thing.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

To a certain extent, yes, you do have input! However, if the editor at the publishing house doesn't agree that a map is necessary, they will talk it out with you. Plus, if there is a printing reason as to why your map can't be included, they will also bring it up with you. Thanks for commenting!

[@andeeharry]

5:22 You don't get royalty on every book you do now? is that right, or did I hear it wrong Alyssa?

[@ClassicCase]

You get paid royalties up front whether you sell anything or not. Then before you earn any additional royalties you first have to sell enough books to earn out what you got up front.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Unfortunately, no, an author doesn't get royalties on every book they sell. The contract text will usually state something along the lines of "15% of hardbook sales after 1000 copies have been sold." So usually, there is a minimum amount of copies that have to be sold before you can see those royalty checks. Hope that helps!

[@andeeharry]

@@AlyssaMatesic it does, thanks for clearing that up. Yeah.....that's why a lot of gambling going on here, as you hope to sell enough to pay off your debt, before you make money. No wonder many go broke.

[@taylorpingelton4946]

Question, could you possibly still query if you already done all the work throught self publishing? Or would it just be easier to finish self publishing i just wondering because i doing last minutes before publishing in late July of this year. And i feel like my book is gonna fail if I contuinue self publishing. Im just wanting some advice. Taylor

[@BGSpare]

My first book was self-published and distributed by them as an ebook. I am still in a finacial hole over it. I want to traditionally publish my second book because 1. I always wanted to traditionally publish (even my first book) and 2. I don't have any money.

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Best of luck with the process, Brian!

[@SDHuston]

I really appreciate your candor! This is a really great breakdown of traditional vs. self publishing. Your notes on what Hybrid Publishing is differs from what I've learned. When I've talked to hybrid authors (admittedly just a few), they all say they are hybrid because they have some books that are traditionally published and some that are self-published. I've never heard of the way you've applied the term before, so I'm wondering if I'm missing some nuances here, perhaps in the language differences of Hybrid Publishing vs Hybrid Author? I would really appreciate whatever insight you have on the idea of Indie publishing. This is a term I hear applied in usually two different ways: (1) an indie author is essentially a self-published author; OR (2) an indie author is published traditionally through a very small press or publishing house. Thanks so much for the video!

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Thank you for your support as always, S.D.! :) And you're right; "hybrid publishing" is what I outline in the video, but a "hybrid author" is one who has published independently and traditionally. As for "indie publishing," I've heard this term most used in the first scenario, as another way of referring to self-publishing!

[@SDHuston]

@@AlyssaMatesic Thanks!

[@johnrommen2458]

Hey Huston, a great example would be Amplify Publishing. Check out their page and it explains a lot

[@heathermiller4157]

Hello. This video was very helpful. I have been offered a hybrid publishing contract with Austin Macauley publishers in NYC. Could you tell me if they are legit company or a scam? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. It is my first novel.

[@juanainnorway]

Hei! Lately I am toying with the idea of trying to write a book and an e-book with two different genre and niche. I know that traditional publishing is very hard, so I am thinking of making a shot on e-book world first. Just to see how it is to self-publish. I personally haven't bought an e-book myself, so maybe I should start with that. :) But, I am wondering now, do you think the old-fashioned publishers consider the e-book as part of the author's portfolio (especially as a newbie)?

[@zacharypilot8256]

Great video as always! Thank you for the tips! I spent the latter half of 2021 sending queries to a handful of agents, and I found the whole process rather nebulous. I know you offer editing services in addition to this channel; are you open to editing queries, or even the often requested "first ten pages"?

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Thanks so much for the kind words! Absolutely, you can request a quote via the form on my website: www.alyssamatesic.com

[@debayandasgupta488]

Can i make the reprints of a selfpublished book transferred to a trad publishing house if my books have done reasonably well, does it happen that way?

[@louiswendlander9083]

Hi, I'm curious about something and am wondering if you (or someone) may have the answer! I'd like to design my own cover (I'm an established artist of some repute) would a trad publisher consider using my cover or would they generally force one on my book from their design team? I'd really like to illustrate it myself but I'm open if a trad publisher were to pick me up. Just wondering what that looks like, thanks!

[@andeeharry]

10.10: I had one the other day, trying to claim they were 5 years experienced, but kept showing me random projects.. nothing from him, but stuff he got off the net. He accused me of causing him stress when I was asking questions lol

[@LDtheBrachio]

If you are going to go the traditional publishing route, is it possible to not just submit the manuscript but if you made your own cover (design or drawing), can the publishers accept that OR is that not allowed and somebody else has to design the cover?

[@AlyssaMatesic]

You can definitely suggest a cover design! It's a collaborative process, but the design team at the publishing house will be in charge of constructing and fine-tuning the cover to best fit in the market. Of course, I'm sure there are exceptions to this as well!

[@MOSES_films]

oh my heavens you are GORGEOUS!

[@MWchugs243]

Wow you are beautiful and inspiring

[@austinwarman4244]

Yes mam I agree. I am trying to learn to walk again after an accident in Afghanistan the same day 13 of my brothers were killed by a vest blew up at a so called safe zone. I prey for every solider .they saved my life. God bless the USA.

[@Mojothepyruttarrr]

Hybrid , so who did u use just tell us that please

[@audiobrew]

"2024", like we can't see this video's publishing date? ... Clever, I guess.

[@RorysReadingSmartsTough]

I have some business ideas I would like to discuss with you. Interested?

[@ClassicCase]

I'm half-way through my revisions and started looking for agents. Unfortunately, I'm not of the right ethnicity and gender for many of them.

[@arteconceptual3882]

you know just watching you makes me thing it will never happen

[@wondermemories6451]

hiii oh my gosh im so happy to find this. im 16 and trying to publish my series called Our LIfe. its about two identacal twins named Ryder and Ranger and thier Mom Alissa. they got abused at the age of 11 and threw out the series these boys are healing. Ranger has autism so its a bit hard but they have friends dont wanna spoil too much LOL but I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW NO MATTER WHAT GOD IS ALWAYS THERE

[@Mojothepyruttarrr]

Ruddy pirates everywhere grrrr

[@ecomaganat]

Just dont do anything with Austin Mcauley Publishing, it's a total Scam! been publishing unsuccessfully for 4 years, it doesn't work.

[@AlbertTran-c2q]

Dont bother with her. I'm really interested in working with her and sent and email. Almost a week and no response. Your loss!

[@AlyssaMatesic]

Hi Albert! It takes me three to five business days to get through my queue. I received your request on Thursday and have just responded today (Monday). Thanks so much for your patience, and I appreciate your interest!

[@JRRob3wn]

Chill bro.

[@kennethmatthew9638]

Royalties? I no longer have hopes for that I just want to hurry up and get rid of the book it's been 3 months querying so i don't care anymore