Traditional vs Indie Publishing? Here's Why Smart Authors Do Both | Jeremy Szal

Learn how to grow your author career with hybrid publishing — the perfect blend of traditional and self‑publishing that gives writers more freedom, control, and opportunity.

In this episode, host Herman Steuernagel sits down with Australian sci‑fi author Jeremy Szal, who sold his first book at just 23 to Gollancz (Hachette UK) and has since built an international career mixing both trad and indie projects.

Jeremy shares hard‑won lessons about writing, rejection, and building a sustainable career across both sides of the industry. You’ll learn how to know when your book is ready, what pitfalls to avoid when publishing too soon, and how to make hybrid publishing work for you.

Perfect for writers who want success on their own terms — whether you’re querying your first novel or scaling your indie business.

⏱️ Timestamps

• 00:00 – Jeremy’s core advice: “The best weapon is knowledge.”
• 00:41 – Introduction & what hybrid publishing really means
• 05:30 – Why hybrid publishing is a “force multiplier” for authors
• 10:50 – Jeremy’s journey from early failures to a Gollancz book deal
• 16:45 – Why your first book shouldn’t be your best — and how to grow
• 24:00 – How to decide between self‑publishing and traditional routes
• 37:00 – The realities and frustrations of trad publishing
• 47:30 – Why relationships and reputation matter more than marketing
• 54:30 – The advantages of self‑publishing and creative control
• 01:05:30 – Final advice: hybrid success starts with one thing — “Write a damn good book.”

📚 What You’ll Learn

• Real pros and cons of self‑publishing vs. traditional publishing
• How to avoid publishing before your manuscript is ready
• How to protect your rights and negotiate better contracts
• Why hybrid authors have more freedom and long‑term growth
• How community and networking help books succeed

🧭 About Jeremy Szal

Jeremy Szal is the author of the Common Saga — including Stormblood, Blindspace, and the upcoming Wolfskin. Published by Gollancz, his work has been translated worldwide. Jeremy also self‑publishes short fiction and speaks openly about the practical, human side of publishing.

🔍 Keywords

self publishing, traditional publishing, hybrid publishing, how to publish a book, writing tips, book publishing, author advice, indie author, publishing industry, writing career, author success, how to self publish

Resources Mentioned🔗 Publisher Rocket (sponsor) – Optimize your Amazon keywords & categories -- visit https://publisherrocket.cartknox.com/buy-rocket?aff=442🔗 Jeremy Szal’s website: https://jeremyszal.com/🔗 Wolfskin & The Common Saga: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KYGTDBN--- 🎧 Join the ConversationIf you found value in this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with fellow authors.Every share helps other writers learn what it truly takes to build a sustainable hybrid career.