How to Use Hybrid Publishing to Get Your Novel Published

Hybrid publishing is a relatively new business model in the publishing industry that allows indie authors to cover some of the cost of publishing books that otherwise might have been passed over by traditional publishers. In exchange for an upfront fee, authors who work with a reputable hybrid publisher are given a higher percentage of royalties on the back end, in addition to having their book distributed to reviewers and given book marketing assistance.

For most of the last half-century, authors had two publishing models to choose from when trying to get their books published: traditional publishing (through established publishing companies) and self-publishing. Hybrid publishing lays somewhere between these two methods. Vanity presses and print-on-demand services, on the other hand, are usually geared toward self-publishing.

There are many different types of hybrid publishing services popping up in the publishing world. They operate in slightly different ways depending on who is behind the venture, but all follow a similar distribution and cost model. There are a variety of different types of publishing companies that offer a hybrid model, including:

1. 1. Traditional publishing houses: Traditional publishing houses have actually offered something akin to a hybrid option for a long time. Generally, these options fell under one-off deals with individual authors for publishing rights and a print run that usually differed from traditional distribution models. Some traditional publishers still offer hybrid deals like this, but they generally don’t publicize it.
2. 2. Dedicated hybrid publishing companies: The primary option for authors looking to pursue a hybrid publishing deal is through a dedicated hybrid publishing companies. These companies specialize in hybrid publishing and have relationships with reviewers and booksellers that can be advantageous to authors.
3. 3. Agent-run publishing companies: Another publishing process to consider involves distribution services overseen by agent-run publishing companies. More and more agents are starting their own book publishing companies that follow a hybrid model.

Before you sign a publishing contract with a hybrid press, do your due diligence to make sure they abide by industry standards and have a track record of success. Here are a few things to look for in a publishing house to make sure they follow industry standards and aren’t a glorified vanity publisher:

• They offer expertise. A good hybrid publishing company will have a defined vision for the types of books they are hoping to publish. One major difference between hybrid publishing and vanity publishing is that self-publishing companies will publish anything for the right price. A reputable hybrid publishing house should have some defined mission statement for the work they are hoping to put out in the world.
• They publish using their own ISBNs. This means that their back catalog can’t be hidden. Make sure they have their own imprint and ISBNs that they publish all their work under.
• They have a proven track record. Make sure that any company you are considering has a proven track record and sound business model when it comes to distribution and book sales.
• They showcase good design quality. A reputable hybrid publisher will have consistent design standards and produce high-quality books with professional cover designs.

There are many advantages for authors considering whether to partner with a hybrid publisher. Whether you are writing novels or nonfiction books, here are some pros of working with a hybrid publishing company:

1. 1. Exposure: Working with a hybrid publisher can help speed up the process of getting your own book published and sold. By taking on some of the financial burden of publishing a book, you can circumvent the often lengthy process of shopping your book around and trying to convince the powers that be to publish it. Aspiring authors who have yet to publish a book can break into the writing world through a hybrid publishing service.
2. 2. Higher royalties: Traditional publishing has a standard royalty structure that can be much less lucrative for published authors than hybrid models. The trade-off for fronting some of the publishing costs is potentially recouping larger profits off a successfully published book.
3. 3. Access to reviewers: Traditionally, reviewers have shied away from self-published books and the products of vanity publishing services. With the continued success of hybrid models, more and more reviewers and publications are reviewing books from established hybrid publishing companies.

It is important to consider the financial risk inherent to hybrid publishing. Here are some disadvantages to working with a hybrid publisher:

1. 1. Financial burden: The upfront financial risk required from you may be something you aren’t equipped for. There’s no guarantee you’ll ever recoup your upfront publishing fees if the book fails to sell.
2. 2. Skepticism from reviewers: Though many reviewers are embracing the hybrid model, there are still some who lump it in with self-publishing options. Traditional publishing affords greater access to reviewers, though the industry is shifting towards greater respect for books published under a hybrid model.

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