What is Hybrid Publishing and Should I Do It?

Are you looking to publish a book but unsure what route to take? There are two main choices: traditional publishing and self-publishing. However, an increasingly popular option combines the two approaches—hybrid publishing.

Going with a hybrid publisher can have benefits compared to a traditional publishing company or being a self-publisher.

This option is unique because you gain a combined experience of both types of publishing processes. You get the expertise and guidance from the publisher while maintaining your copyright and having more control over the book publishing process.

Hybrid publishing also allows for quicker book production since there isn’t as much of a bottleneck in production queues as with some traditional publishers. Often the option of “print on demand” is present. This is a plus because having just the right number of books you can store and sell at the moment prevents you from unnecessary inventory being housed.

Hybrid publishers often also offer better royalties than many traditional companies, meaning more money in your pocket.

On the downside, hybrid publishing can require more work when it comes to book marketing and building an audience. Furthermore, as with any book publisher, you will need to read carefully through the contract and fine print before signing anything. Different hybrid publishers offer different services and packages, so doing your research before committing to one is important.

Hybrid publishing is an excellent option for authors who want to maintain control of their book’s publishing rights and also benefit from the expertise and guidance of traditional book publishers. It can be a great way to publish your book without doing all the work yourself.

But be informed, Hybrid publishers typically require authors to make an upfront payment, while traditional book publishers generally do not.

On the opposite end, traditional publishers can offer an advance that may get eaten up by marketing costs or be just a drop in the bucket compared to the actual sales for the book that are not received by the author. It can also be a very tedious process to get signed by a traditional publisher. You must first obtain a literary agent, write a query letter and then compete with many other authors submitting their works to that publisher.

These days, traditional publishers also want to know if you already have an audience; how many are following you on social media, how many are on your email list, and how broad your reach is. They put more of the load on you to market your work compared to in the past when they did most of it for you.

A potential downside with hybrid publishing is that depending on the hybrid publisher you choose, your book may take longer to be published than if you were self-publishing it. You are working with a team, so make sure to get some estimates on deadlines when hiring that team. If they lag on meeting those deadlines, there should be ample communication in regard to delays and an urgency to meet your deadlines, particularly if you have a book launch already in place.

Below are a summary of pros and cons of going with a hybrid book publisher:

Pros:

– You get access to a book publisher’s resources, such as distribution channels, editorial teams, marketing experts, etc., that you may not otherwise have.

– There will be more support when it comes to getting your book out into the world as compared to self-publishing.

– It is possible to keep the book’s copyright and have a voice in the book publishing process.

-The potential of receiving better royalties

-Quicker book production; print on demand

-You have a greater chance of keeping rights; read your contract

Cons:

– You will still need to do some marketing and promotion for your book yourself or hire someone else to do it.

-You do not have full control over the process like you would if you were self-publishing.

-You may sign a contract that forces you to purchase more copies than you are able to sell.

-There is a down payment required.

In the end, hybrid book publishing can provide book authors with added resources for their book’s launch and more control over their work compared to going through a traditional publisher, however, there are still tasks that must be undertaken by the author in order to be successful such as marketing and promotion. If you’re considering hybrid book publishing, read the contract and fine print carefully before signing with any publisher.

Overall, hybrid publishing is a great option if you want to retain some control over the book publishing process while still getting guidance from book professionals. Dig into what each hybrid publisher offers and see which route best fits your needs! And check out our article on the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing to assist you in your search.