Advice for writers
for writers
The Gatekeepers Are Gone…Or Are They? The Truth About Publishing Access
Why the Myth of Open Publishing Access Needs a Closer Look
For years, authors have been told, “The gatekeepers are gone, and publishing access is open to all!” Thanks to self-publishing and digital platforms, it’s easier than ever to get your book online. But true publishing access—getting your book into readers’ hands and building a lasting career—is far more complex.
New gatekeepers have replaced the old: algorithms, online platforms, and an increasingly crowded marketplace. Navigating these challenges requires more than just hitting “publish.”
At Atmosphere Press, we help authors balance creative control with professional support through hybrid publishing. In this post, we’ll break down the myth of publishing access and explain why understanding today’s gatekeepers is key to your success.
The Traditional Gatekeepers: Who Were They?
Before the digital revolution, publishing was a tightly controlled industry. Traditional gatekeepers—agents, publishers, and distributors—decided which books made it to readers. Here’s how that system worked:
The Agent Filter
Agents received tens of thousands of queries annually but accepted only a handful of new clients.
Without connections or fitting market trends, most authors faced rejection. Many bestselling books, like Stephen King’s Carrie, were initially turned down multiple times.
The Publisher Filter
Even with an agent, publishers were selective, focusing on “sure bets” that fit proven formulas.
For every 10,000 submissions, only a small fraction were acquired. Preference often went to certain genres, demographics, and marketable stories.
The Distribution Filter
Bookstore shelf space was limited and costly. Publishers paid for prime placement and promotional support.
Without a strong marketing budget, even published books could go unnoticed.
What This System Got Right:
✔️ High standards for editing and design
✔️ Established distribution networks
✔️ Marketing expertise and financial support
✔️ Quality control and curation
What It Got Wrong:
❌ Excluded diverse voices and unconventional stories
❌ Prioritized commercial appeal over artistic merit
❌ Created artificial scarcity in an information-rich age
❌ Left authors with little control over their work
By the early 2000s, many authors were frustrated, ready for a new way forward—setting the stage for the digital publishing revolution.
The Digital Revolution: When Publishing Access Seemed Unlimited
The early 2000s brought a publishing upheaval. Suddenly, authors could bypass traditional gatekeepers and publish their work directly to readers online. The promise? “Write it, upload it, sell it. Publishing access for everyone!”
Key Game-Changers:
◆ Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (2007): Authors could upload manuscripts, set prices, and reach millions worldwide.
◆ Print-on-demand technology: Eliminated minimum print runs and costly inventory.
◆ Social media: Enabled direct author-reader connections.
◆ E-books: Lower production costs and global distribution made publishing more accessible than ever.
Success Stories That Inspired a Generation:
◆ Wool by Hugh Howey, a self-published series that became a sensation.
◆ The Martian by Andy Weir, initially a free web serial, later a bestseller and major film.
◆ Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James, fanfiction turned cultural phenomenon.
◆ Amanda Hocking, who earned millions through paranormal romance self-publishing.
The Freedom Authors Enjoyed:
✔️ Control over deadlines and creative vision.
✔️ Royalties between 35-70%, far higher than traditional rates.
✔️ The ability to publish frequently.
✔️ Direct relationships with readers through social media.
The Catch:
❌ Over 1 million new books are published on Amazon annually—roughly 2,700 every day.
❌ Standing out became exponentially harder amid this flood of titles.
❌ Authors were expected to be marketers, editors, designers, and business managers all at once.
❌ Most self-published books sell fewer than 100 copies; median earnings hover below $500 per year.
The promise of open publishing access was real—but it came with unexpected challenges authors needed to navigate.
The New Gatekeepers: Algorithms, Platforms, and Audience Attention
The truth is, the gatekeepers didn’t vanish—they evolved and multiplied. Today, authors face a new kind of gatekeeper, often invisible but just as powerful.
Algorithm Gatekeepers
Amazon’s A9 Algorithm: Controls which books appear in search results and recommendations, prioritizing sales velocity, reviews, and reader engagement. It’s ever-changing and secretive—books can suddenly vanish from visibility.
Social Media Algorithms: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter decide what content reaches audiences, heavily favoring engagement and paid ads. Organic reach has dropped dramatically.
Google Search Algorithm: Influences discoverability through SEO, rewarding authoritative, fresh, and user-friendly content.
Platform Gatekeepers
Amazon: Responsible for over 60% of book sales, it controls promotional tools, pricing policies, and visibility rules, which can change without notice.
Social Media Platforms: TikTok’s #BookTok has launched bestsellers overnight but success is unpredictable. Instagram and YouTube demand consistent, high-quality content and significant time investment.
Podcast Platforms: Offer niche audience access but compete with millions of other shows for listeners.
The Attention Economy
Readers face infinite entertainment choices—books compete with Netflix, games, social media, and more.
Review Systems: Reviews heavily influence purchases, making review generation essential yet challenging within platform rules.
Influencer and Blogger Networks: Can boost visibility significantly but require authentic relationships, not transactional outreach.
Navigating these new gatekeepers requires strategy, persistence, and savvy use of available tools.
The Discoverability Challenge
While publishing access has exploded, connecting with readers remains the biggest hurdle. Consider these numbers:
◆ Over 4 million books are published worldwide every year.
◆ The average person reads about 12 books annually.
That means roughly 333,000 books are published for every single book the average reader finishes.
This creates a paradox: it’s easier than ever to publish, but far harder than ever to be discovered.
With such an overwhelming flood of new titles, authors must work smarter—leveraging marketing, platform algorithms, and genuine reader relationships—to get noticed.
Hybrid Publishing: A Balanced Approach to Access and Support
In today’s complex publishing landscape, hybrid publishing offers a middle path—combining the best of traditional and self-publishing. It gives authors creative control while providing professional editorial, design, and marketing support.
At Atmosphere Press, we believe hybrid publishing empowers authors to navigate new gatekeepers with confidence and skill. Instead of facing the overwhelming flood alone, you get expert partners who respect your vision and help you stand out.
Want to learn more? Check out these detailed guides:
◆ How Much Does Hybrid Publishing Cost?
Hybrid publishing isn’t a magic bullet—but it is a smart, strategic partnership designed to meet today’s publishing demands head-on.
Why Publishing Access Is About More Than Just Getting Published
Publishing your book is a huge milestone—but it’s only the beginning. Today, true publishing access means much more than simply seeing your name on a cover.
It includes:
◆ Ongoing marketing and promotion
◆ Building and engaging an audience
◆ Long-term career development
Without these, even a beautifully produced book can get lost in the shuffle. Authors must think beyond publication day to sustain momentum, connect with readers, and build a meaningful platform.
Hybrid publishing models, like those offered by Atmosphere Press, support authors not just through publication but also with marketing and career-building services—helping you thrive in a competitive market.
Practical Tips for Authors
Publishing access today requires more than finishing your manuscript—it demands strategy, persistence, and smart partnerships. Here are key steps to help you succeed:
Build Your Author Platform Early
Create a website, grow your social media presence, and start an email newsletter. Your platform is your most valuable asset for reaching readers.
Invest in Professional Editing and Design
Quality matters. Professional editors and designers help your book meet industry standards and attract readers.
Learn Marketing Basics or Partner with Experts
Whether you do your own promotions or hire professionals, understanding marketing fundamentals is essential to stand out.
Network and Build Community
Connect with other authors, readers, and industry professionals. Relationships open doors and provide support.
Be Prepared for the Long Haul
Publishing access is an ongoing journey, not a one-time event. Commitment beyond publication day is crucial.
By embracing publishing as a holistic, long-term process, you position yourself for sustainable success.
Rethinking Publishing Access in Today’s Hybrid Era
The idea that gatekeepers are completely gone is a myth. Traditional barriers have shifted, but new gatekeepers—algorithms, platforms, and market demands—now shape who gets seen.
Understanding this evolving landscape is crucial for any author serious about building a career.
Hybrid publishing offers a balanced, empowering path forward. At Atmosphere Press, we’re dedicated to helping authors break through modern gatekeepers with a partnership that combines professional support and creative freedom.
If you’re ready to take control of your publishing journey with expert guidance and a team that respects your vision, explore our hybrid publishing services today.
Erin K. Larson-Burnett, Production Manager at Atmosphere Press (submit your manuscript here!), is a born-and-raised Southerner currently living in Katy, Texas, with her husband and their small domestic zoo. She is an avid ink drinker who lives and breathes books—during the day, she works remotely with authors around the world, honing and perfecting books published through Atmosphere Press. By night, she crafts her own stories…or at least tries to. The Bear & the Rose is her debut novel.
Atmosphere Press is a selective hybrid publisher founded in 2015 on the principles of Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, Kindness, and Making Your Book Awesome. Our books have won dozens of awards and sold tens of thousands of copies. If you’re interested in learning more, or seeking publication for your own work, please explore the links below.
