Julia believes there are many things to think about when deciding whether to self-publish, and when to start to consider putting the success of your project into someone else's hands. There are myths and horror stories that can put people off. One of the most common gripes relates to developers feeling like the publisher just didn't give their project enough attention, and so, there follows a story of unspent potential. Also, while it's certainly beneficial to be entrepreneurial, it can be daunting to imagine the pursuit of commercial success warping the direction and vision of the project. With a flurry of new boutique publishers and money flowing left, right and centre, is publishing still relevant? What does a ‘third party publisher’ mean anymore? On the other hand, in addition to the obvious potential marketing and brand upside of working with a publisher, there are longer term strategic opportunities to consider. Perhaps the relationship will lend itself to potential stability in future, and of course, the funding publishers can provide is certainly lucrative in helping you reach the next step in your studio's roadmap. As someone who makes spreadsheets for most of her life decisions, Julia talks through the different considerations and map out the scenarios, but with the experience of someone who has been privy to these relationships, both during active projects and negotiation stages. There are myths and horror stories that can put people off. The most contentious relates to developers feeling like the publisher just didn't give their project enough attention, and so follows a story of unspent potential. Nobody likes feeling like they are dancing to someone else's tune, and could fear losing the creative control of their project. While it's certainly beneficial to be entrepreneurial, it can be daunting to imagine commercial success warping the direction and vision of the project. What's more, with a flurry of new boutique publishers and money flowing left right and centre, is publishing still relevant? What does a third party publisher mean anymore? At the same time, in addition to the obvious potential marketing and brand upside of working with a publisher, there are longer term strategic opportunities to consider when working with a publisher. Perhaps the relationship will lend itself to potential stability in future, and of course, the funding publishers can provide is certainly lucrative in helping you reach the next step in your studio's life cycle. As someone who makes spreadsheets for almost life decisions, I will talk through the different considerations and map out the scenarios, but with the experience of someone who has been privy to these relationships, both in active live projects and negotiation stages.

Takeaway: 

• A toolbox of pros and cons to help you decide whether working with a publisher is right for you.
• Separating the myths and realities, from someone who has worked in and with third party publishers.
• An understanding of the various offerings in publishing today, and how to set out a relationship or search based on what developers are looking for.
• With the right expectations, it's easier to find the right partnership.