How Publishers and 'Hybrid' Authors Are Working Together | Digital Book World

While many self-published authors have found success on their own, some seek help from traditional publishers to distribute their books to a wider audience. With publishers taking care of an author's marketing strategy, distribution, and cover art, authors can spend more time focusing on the actual writing.

"The publisher can provide strategies, digital assets, art and graphic design that help the author maintain a brand even if they continue marketing on their own," said Trelstad.

"When we plan campaigns [at Atria Books]," added Castillo, "we have conversations with the author to see what has worked for them and try to make that even bigger. It's always a collaboration with the author."

"The writer doesn't have to spend time marketing themselves anymore," Dystel said. "That takes a huge amount of time."