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Summer 2025 ~~ Marketing Advice

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“…hybrid publishing has allowed my writing dreams to come true.”   ~~ Ekta R. Garg

Why I Chose Hybrid Publishing

By Ekta R. Garg, Reviewer, Editor, Author, Dreamer

When I decided to pursue getting published, I looked at my options and chose self-publishing first. From 2015 to 2016, I self-published short books that each contained two linked short stories. Before I started, I researched self-publishing extensively. Then I created a production schedule and got to work.

Soon, I was juggling multiple publishing challenges alone. If my story files had issues, I scrambled to fix them and stressed about getting ebook ARCs to early readers on time. I also had to balance other marketing efforts, work with my cover designer for future books, keep my budget on track, write and revise new work, and be a mom and wife.

That year exhausted me, and I knew it wasn’t sustainable. When I went back and looked at my first self-published books again toward the end of that year, I realized my writing needed work. Discouraged, I took my books off the market.

Next came traditional publishing. I queried my fairy tale fantasy from 2020 to 2021, reaching out to more than 70 agents. Many didn’t respond at all. Some sent standard rejections. Several sent personalized notes complimenting my writing and asking to see future manuscripts. All of them said my book wasn’t “the right fit” for them, even though I’d spent hours researching agents and making sure they represented my genre.

Around this same time, I saw an ad for Atmosphere Press. I didn’t know much about hybrid presses, so I started researching again. I also looked specifically at Atmosphere and liked what I saw. I realized I could work with a publishing team—which, after my self-publishing experience, was necessary for me—but also retain some autonomy.

Some people might say hybrid publishing is expensive; others make the argument that paying a company to publish your work decreases its legitimacy. In self-publishing, you have to bear all the costs yourself. Traditional publishing almost functions like a mortgage. The publisher fronts all the costs to make your book a reality, and later, when you’re waiting for your book to earn out its advance, you’re indirectly paying your publisher back.

If I have to pay out of my pocket anyway, no matter what route of publishing I take, I want to pay the company upfront so I can earn back that “advance” faster. My first book, The Truth About Elves, earned back what I paid for its publication in two years. My second book, In the Heart of the Linden Wood—that fairy tale fantasy—is on track to earn back its publishing package price by the end of 2025, just under three years after publication.

My third book with Atmosphere, The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories, came out in August. I’ve worked with the same team for all three books, and I don’t have to worry about distribution or printing. I had the final word on everything from the book cover to the price each book. I also have complete freedom to pursue marketing in the best way for me.

I’m not opposed to being traditionally published, and I may give self-publishing another try in the future now that I have more experience. For me at this point in my career, though, hybrid publishing has allowed my writing dreams to come true. It’s also empowered me to be an active force in the story of my writing journey.

Editor’s Note: I’ve also looked at the work involved in self-publishing and found it exhausting. 

Purchase Links:

About the Author:

A Reviewer, Editor, Author, and Dreamer of stories and books, Ekta R. Garg has worked in niche publishing since 2005—she’s written and edited about everything from healthcare to home improvement to Hindi films! Ekta judges writing contests, hosts writing workshops, and podcasts about great books and how to write them. She’s currently the Content Coordinator of Neighbors of SW Champaign, a hyper-local magazine focusing on and lifting up the Champaign, Illinois, community. Ekta’s award-winning holiday novella, The Truth About Elves, and her award-winning fairy tale for grown-ups, In the Heart of the Linden Wood, are available from Atmosphere Press.

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“In my favorite kind of book club, it’s the food for mind and heart that creates a figurative table of deliciousness.”   –Cheryl Grey Bostrom

The Deliciousness of Book Clubs

By Cheryl Grey Bostrom

I’ve never met a book club I didn’t like—and I’ve met with a lot of them. Through warm invitations to talk about my own books, I’ve participated in dozens as a guest, and I’ve been a regular member of clubs, too. When events compete on my calendar, book clubs win, most every time. For me, discussion groups for novels are flat-out feasts.

Caveat: With an estimated half a million book clubs in the US alone, you know there are duds out there. And while I’ve never rubbed shoulders with a poorly run club, I’ve heard the buzz. You know, about groups dominated by That Person. Or clubs where few actually read the books . . . or where too-safe yawner books are chosen . . . or where firecracker discussions lack leaders skilled or brave enough to direct their sparks—and attendees go up in flames of conflict.

I’m not talking about those.

Nor am I referring to the book clubs with edible hospitality, where treat-laden sideboards, beverages, and delicious meals enhance a reader’s experience. Great fun, all that nibbling and sipping, but . . .

In my favorite kind of book club, it’s the food for mind and heart that creates a figurative table of deliciousness.

If you’ve ever attended an effective book club, you know what I mean. While the vibe of clubs can range from checkered-cloth picnic to evening soirée, the ones I find truly scrumptious naturally offer four courses:

  1. The Appetizer – Those sweet minutes of reconnecting as attendees gather—or of meeting new friends before the discussion begins. Comfort and ease fill the room—or screen. Anticipation of heartier fare heightens.
  2. The Salad or Soup — Either veggie-light or bisque-rich, the host’s introduction further awakens attendees’ taste buds with some or all of these: a quote from the book, a question, facts about the author, and back cover copy. In this early course, ideas assemble. Mental appetites enlarge.
  3. The Entrée — Ah. The main course. As the leader cracks the book’s cover, she sets the tone for the rest of the meal. Will she ask the group to eat down the list of discussion questions, savoring first asparagus, then rice, then fish? Or will her fondue-style invite attendees to spear from a platter of ideas, each in turn?

Doesn’t matter, really. Either way, participants take turns. Include each other. Listen. Nobody crowds. Flavorful thought trails are irresistible and filling. Nourishing and challenging and mind-brightening.

  1. The Dessert — By now participants have either addressed topics of choice or time has run out. Usually, it’s the latter, which concludes the meal on an up note, leaving satisfied readers inspired and eager for their next gathering.

Needless to say, I don’t count calories at clubs like these.

What’s your experience been like with book clubs? I’d love to hear.

EDITOR’S NOTE: So would I. If you’ve had a good or bad experience with a book club, please let us know. And if you’re in a book club, please tell us what you read, what your eat, and how it’s going. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: A keen student of the natural world and the workings of the human heart, Pacific Northwest author Cheryl Grey Bostrom captures the mystery and wonder of both in her lyrical, surprising fiction. 

Her novels Sugar Birds (Christy finalist, Amazon bestseller, and Book of the Year) and Leaning on Air have won more than two dozen industry honors, among which are Christianity Today’s Fiction Award of Merit and American Fiction, Reader’s Favorite, ACFW Carol, Nautilus, Best Book, Foreword Indies, IPPY, and International Book Awards. KIRKUS REVIEWS named Cheryl’s newest work of contemporary women’s fiction, What the River Keeps, as a Best Indies Book of June 2025.

An avid birder and nature photographer, Cheryl lives in rural Washington State with her veterinarian husband and a pack of half-trained Gordon setters.

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How to Find Book Influencers

With thanks to The Fussy Librarian, https://thefussylibrarian.com, Their site originally published this article. Take a look at all they offer, okay? 

With so many book influencers out there, finding one may seem like an easy task. However, it’s important to remember that you’re building a partnership. If you want to get the best results, you need to put in the work. 

  1. IDENTIFY YOUR GENRE & AUDIENCE. 🔍

First things first, you need to define the target audience for your book. That way, you can find influencers who cater to readers interested in your genre. Consider the age, location, gender, and hobbies of your ideal reader. Then, compare that profile to potential influencers and their followers.

  1. EXPLORE DIFFERENT PLATFORMS. 📡

As mentioned previously, there are many popular platforms for book influencers. The biggest ones include YouTube (#BookTube), Instagram (#Bookstagram), and TikTok (#BookTok). Use relevant hashtags and keywords to find influencers who are active in your genre. 

For example…

  • #fantasybooks
  • #romancereads
  • #scifibooks
  • #mysterybookrecs
  • #historicalfiction

Don’t be afraid to get specific, as it’s worth taking a deep dive to find the right fit. 

  1. USE INFLUENCER DISCOVERY TOOLS. ⚒️

You can use tools like BuzzSumo, CreatorIQ, and FeedSpot Influencers Database to find and analyze potential influencers. They help you identify influencers who align with your niche and audience. However, they do require a fee for more in-depth research.

Another approach would be to use Google. Typing in “[genre] book influencers on [platform]” can uncover helpful lists, forum responses, and even influencer profiles. 

  1. EVALUATE ENGAGEMENT & REACH. 🤔

When researching potential influencer partners, look beyond follower counts. Check the engagement rates on their posts, such as likes, comments, and shares. An influencer with a highly engaged audience can be more effective than one with a large but passive following.

  1. REVIEW CONTENT QUALITY. 👍

Lastly, examine the quality of each influencer’s content. That’s not to say you should only aim for those with professional-level content. However, you should look for clear photos, thoughtful reviews, and well-composed videos. After all, partnering with an influencer who creates quality content reflects well on you and your work.  

Tips for Reaching out to Influencers

Once you’ve identified one or more book influencers who fit your needs, it’s time to reach out. Just make sure to go about it the right way. If you’re new to influencer marketing, here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind. 

WHAT TO DO

  • Check if they have a preferred contact method for collaboration inquiries. 
  • Personalize your pitch by explaining what you like about their channel. 
  • Ask if they charge a fee for reviews and/or promotions.
  • Offer an advanced reader copy of your book for them to read and assess. 
  • Suggest a beneficial exchange (giveaway, interview, swag), if not payment. 
  • Follow up politely if they haven’t responded within a reasonable timeframe. 

WHAT NOT TO DO

  • Avoid sending a generic and impersonal template message.
  • Don’t write a lengthy message full of unnecessary information.
  • Never demand or assume they provide a positive review.
  • Don’t expect free services without offering something in return.
  • Stop yourself from badgering them constantly if you haven’t heard back.
  • Don’t take it personally or react poorly if they decline your request.

Takeaway 📚

With more and more people finding book recommendations on social media, working with book influencers is a wise choice. Building a relationship with someone who’s gained the trust of your target audience can be beneficial. So, if you haven’t already, consider dipping your toe into influencer marketing. It can enhance your book marketing efforts for the better!