Although there are historical examples dating back centuries of authors choosing to self publish for various reasons, these cases were few and far between and it was very much thought of as a last resort for the masses. As time has progressed however, this has changed dramatically with many authors now not only seeing it as a potential option but indeed their first choice. This evolution in popularity however has resulted in companies seeing a gap in the market to act as a middle ground between fully self publishing and making a submission to a traditional publisher. This is often referred to as ‘hybrid publishing’.
Hybrid Publishing companies have exploded in number in recent years which creates positives and negatives for the writers market, mainly that it can be difficult to distinguish between what is a genuinely good company that will assist writers and which are over promising and under delivering in order to simply make money. This review aims to at least take care of understanding one of those companies; Authors Unite. Below we’ll take a look at the services, who may or may not benefit and ultimately if they should be worth consideration for any writer looking for a hybrid publisher.
This Authors Unite review covers:
- What is Authors Unite?
- What are the alternatives to Authors Unite?
- Authors Unite review – final verdict
What is Authors Unite?
Authors Unite is a hybrid publishing company helping provide services to writers who wish to get their book published but do not have a publishing deal. The company was founded in 2014 by Tyler Wagner, a bestselling author and entrepreneur, with the goal of empowering authors to share their message with the world. The platform has since helped thousands of authors publish their books and achieve their dreams of becoming successful authors.
As per their website, they believe that by helping authors succeed, they help the world succeed. The best way to achieve this is to assemble book publishing and book marketing teams in one space. Their services are numerous and include ghostwriting, book editing, book publishing, book marketing, business structure, advertising, media and much more. The company also offers coaching and mentoring programs to help authors develop their writing skills, learn about the publishing industry, and build their brand.
A hybrid publishing company such as Authors Unite can benefit a wide range of writers, particularly those who want more control over their book's content and distribution, without the traditional barriers and risks associated with self-publishing. As we mentioned above hybrid publishing companies offer a range of editorial, design, and marketing services, while still allowing authors to retain ownership of their work and have a say in the publishing process. Therefore, writers who have a clear vision for their book, and who are willing to invest time and money in the publishing process, can benefit greatly from a hybrid publishing company's services. This includes authors who have previously been rejected by traditional publishing houses, writers who have a unique niche or audience, and those who have a strong online following or platform.
There is unfortunately no information on the website regarding pricing for these services or their various packages, so any interested writers are likely going to have to send communication signalling interest to get an understanding of whether or not this is affordable for them.
What are the Alternatives to Authors Unite?
There are naturally a number of alternatives available to writers, not just aside from Authors Unite but hybrid publishing entirely. While hybrid publishing has gained popularity in recent years, there are still several other options available to writers looking to publish their work.
Traditional publishing remains the most well-known option for authors. This involves submitting a manuscript to a publishing house, which then takes care of the editing, design, and marketing of the book. While this can be a competitive and lengthy process, it often results in wider distribution and access to a larger audience.
Self-publishing is another option that has become increasingly accessible in recent years, thanks to platforms like Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing. This allows authors to retain complete control over the publishing process, from editing to cover design to distribution. However, it also requires a significant investment of time and money, as the author is responsible for all aspects of the book's production and marketing.
Print-on-demand (POD) publishing is a more recent development that offers a compromise between traditional and self-publishing. This involves a company printing and distributing a book only when it is ordered, eliminating the need for large upfront costs and allowing for more control over the publishing process.
Finally, there are also small press publishers, which operate similarly to traditional publishing houses but on a smaller scale. These may specialize in a particular genre or niche and can provide more personalized attention to authors, while still offering access to professional editing, design, and marketing services.
Ultimately, the best publishing option for a writer depends on their individual goals and priorities, as well as their budget and level of experience. Regardless of the chosen option, publishing a book requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to learn and adapt to the changing industry.
Authors Unite Review – Final Verdict
Ultimately then, Authors Unite is a solid potential option but no more than that. The testimonials and list of services are unquestionably impressive but there are still reasons that writers may find looking elsewhere is the best path forwards.
Firstly, that is because there is no insight into pricing. A writer who is making this step will likely not enjoy having an extra barrier placed between them and their book finally being published, so without any initial insight into pricing that process is only lengthened.
Secondly, pricing aside, there are other options that may present as better paths forward regardless. Making submissions to a traditional publisher can be a gruelling process, but the upside is big if a writer is the time and resilience the potential rewards are definitely worthwhile.
And on top of this, self publishing does not require any submission or any fee paid to a third party. Whilst naturally this places more of an onus on the writer to take care of all aspects of the process, the retainment of full creative control is often appealing.
But Authors Unite may be a suitable option for those dead set on hybrid publishing with both the time on their hands and the finances to see the project through.
