Hybrid publishing is the third alternative for new authors looking for a reliable way to publish their books. Read this blog post to find out what hybrid publishing is and why you should consider it.
What Is Hybrid Publishing?
As the name suggests, hybrid publishing is a mix of self-publishing and trade publishing. It offers the same kind of services to authors as a normal publication house would. These services include proofreading and editing the manuscript, printing thousands of copies of the book and promoting it through events like book launches, book signing ceremonies and book reads.
The difference between a hybrid publisher and a trade publisher lies primarily in their revenue model. Even though the hybrid model is sales and profits driven, it does not compromise on the quality of content. All manuscripts submitted to hybrid publishers are carefully vetted, and only the best ones are picked for publication. If the author decides to pay upfront for the editing and printing services, there is a high chance that the script will be rejected if it lacks substance.
Moreover, in hybrid publishing, the company usually has a certain percentage of share in the profit that was made by selling the books. This is decided while signing the contract and is usually between 30-50% of the royalty rate.
A few examples of prominent hybrid publishers include: TCK Publishing, She Writes Press, Entangled Publishing, and Book Press Publishing.
Services Offered by Hybrid Publishers
The services offered by hybrid publishing companies include:
· Proofreading
· Editing
· Minor changes to plot development
· Printing
· Selling
· Distribution of books in different formats
· Marketing campaigns
· Promotions
· Events management: book launches, book signing, book reading etc.
· Reprints
Cost of Hybrid Publishing
The cost of hybrid publishing varies from company to company. The price is also subject to change depending on the length of the book, the amount of editing and development it requires and also if the author requests for additional support to promote the book.
Some hybrid publishing companies, like Boyle & Dalton, charge authors anywhere between US$4,000 and US$6,500 for publishing while others, like TCK publishing, charge nothing. They earn a profit by selling books and keeping 50% of the royalty. In this case, the ownership of the book too is split between the company and the author.
Why You Should Consider it
The answer is pretty simple. You have more control.
That’s right. If you decide to go for hybrid publishing, the good news is that you control the entire publishing process. Yes, like traditional publishers, hybrid publishers too are picky with the scripts they accept but the good news is that you pay them a fee to have your work reviewed. They will tell you exactly why your book will or will not sell, giving you the option to revise your work and make it sellable.
Hybrid publishing is more affordable than self-publishing as you are only paying half of what you pay for self-publication, and you can claim between 50% and 70% royalty from the sales of your book. So, all in all, you make a lot money than you would from trade or self-publishing.
Another great reason to consider hybrid publishing is for its prompt response. They work a lot faster than traditional publishing houses so if you are thinking about launching your book quickly, hybrid publishers are the ones you should go to.
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