In this episode of Write Publish Market, host Jodi Brandon sits down with Katie Zeliger, founder of Marakee Press, a hybrid publishing company. Katie shares her inspiring journey of supporting first-time authors in getting their books from the first draft to distribution. She talks about her experience working as a mental health advocate and counselor, and how it has influenced the high-touch services her company provides to authors. Katie also sheds light on the world of hybrid publishing, distinguishing it from vanity publishing and highlighting its benefits for authors who may not fit into traditional publishing and are overwhelmed by self-publishing options. Jodi and Katie discuss the importance of researching and finding the right fit in hybrid publishing, and Katie gives valuable advice for local and regional authors looking to build relationships with their community and local stores. Finally, Katie shares a book recommendation, offering a glimpse into her current read. Tune in to this insightful episode to gain a deeper understanding of hybrid publishing and its potential for authors seeking to bring their books to life.

Time Stamps: 00:00 Participant dreams of publishing book, surprises counselor. 04:22 Empowered man with basic English writes WWII story. 08:19 Develop writing routine with ready set write challenge. 11:14 IBPA emphasizes transparency, negotiable contracts, quality standards. 16:05 Choosing a publisher depends on personality. Research options. 20:10 Katie, thanks for the clear and concise advice. 21:55 Grateful for listening, explore author Entrepreneurs Lab.

 

Keywords:

book publishing, entrepreneur, writing, author, publishing industry, hybrid publisher, Meraki Press, first-time authors, traditional publishing, self-publishing, self-publishing options, predatory press, vanity publishing, hybrid standards, IBPA, Independent Book Publishing Association, book creation, ghostwriting, developmental edits, marketing strategies, local authors, regional authors, bookstore relationships, local stores, distribution, quality publishing, genre, traditional publishing contract

 

Resources Mentioned:

IBPA Hybrid Publisher Criteria: https://www.ibpa-online.org/page/hybridpublisher

IBPA Industry Standards Checklist: https://www.ibpa-online.org/page/standardschecklist 

The Author-Entrepreneurs Lab: https://bit.ly/A-ELAB

Ready Set Write Challenge: www.jodibrandoneditorial.com/readysetwrite

 

About Our Guest:

Katie Zeliger (zel-eh-ger) is a hybrid publisher in central western Pennsylvania. She began Meraki Press three years ago as a means to support first time authors on their journey from first draft to distribution. Katie has a background as a humanitarian aid worker and mental health advocate and counselor, which she uses to better serve their authors, allowing them a uniquely high-touch service. Katie is recently married and loves spending her days sipping lattes, reading and writing.

 

website: www.merakipress.org

instagram: @merakipress_design

free ebook "A Quick Guide to Publishing" www.merakipress.org/freebie

LINK TO FULL EPISODE (RAW) TRANSCRIPT:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/12fNXDhlDXxyFD4S68hIIJcXGULq48UYQP_JU4JxIKnU/edit?usp=sharing