For some writers, self-publishing feels like online dating—a lesser version of the “real thing.” It can be stigmatized: considered a fallback for those who couldn’t fulfill the popular image of “being published.” But Megan Williams, CEO and managing editor of The Self-Publishing Agency (TSPA), views self-publishing as a powerful alternative that offers many advantages writers might overlook.
At the Editors BC meeting on November 20, 2024, Megan talked about how she founded and sustained TSPA, described the evolving publishing landscape, and suggested how editors can help writers interested in self-publishing.
About ten years ago, a close friend of Megan’s asked her to publish his book posthumously. Starting from scratch, she researched everything and worked through popular “illusions” about publishing. Along the way, she discovered that self-publishing allowed her complete control over the production process. When her friend’s posthumous book proved successful, Megan began to build her business, hiring a team of professionals who, in her words, “helped me become a better writer and publisher.” Today, TSPA has published hundreds of titles, many of which have been Canadian Book Club Award finalists.
Megan’s story highlights how writers and editors are reshaping the publishing world. What she calls “the new age of publishing” doesn’t much resemble the glamorous “Hollywood version” of publishing, with its fantasies of fame, fortune, and a glittering career. Instead, modern publishing is about entrepreneurs, Amazon, thought leaders, independent media, and self-advocates.
During her talk, Megan outlined three publishing models: traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing. A traditional publisher pays the author an advance, handles editing and design, and funds the launch. However, once the book is released, the author is responsible for marketing and paying off the advance through sales.
The hybrid model is similar to vanity presses, where the author pays the publisher and takes on marketing responsibilities. While the author and publisher share profits, hybrid publishers generally retain control over the publishing and/or printing rights. For these reasons, Megan noted this model may not be sustainable because “it’s not a good deal for authors.”
With self-publishing, the author covers publishing costs, manages marketing, and keeps 100% of the profits. Most importantly, the author retains complete control over the publishing and printing rights.
This, Megan explained, is where editors play a crucial role: helping writers to tell their stories and presenting their work at its best. They encourage and empower writers to understand that their stories are worth sharing. “We’re not here,” Megan added, “to block stories from getting into the world. Traditional publishers tell us what’s good enough to be published. Our job is to make sure all stories have opportunities.”
While self-publishing is not the right path for every author, editors can provide writers with an alternative way to fulfill the publishing dream. “The role editors play,” Megan concluded, “is invaluable to advancing the industry and creating opportunities for writers.”
A lively Q&A followed Megan’s presentation, covering topics like guiding authors and editors through the self-publishing process, managing projects on Amazon, and using AI tools: potentially helpful but never replacing “actual editing experience and insight.”
Many thanks to Megan from Editors BC for sharing her expertise!
Copyedited by Jane Kuang
Jane has nine years of experience in civil, family, and personal injury litigation and five years as a business analyst. Pursuing continuous learning in plain language and editing, she earned her Certificate in Editing from SFU in 2023. In her spare time, she enjoys practising traditional Chinese calligraphy, volunteering for various charities, and cooking.