Hybrid Publishing is a newer term for an author-subsidized publishing model that’s been around for awhile. Before we dive into the red flags, let's take a closer look at Hybrid Publishing!
Hybrid publishing is gaining popularity in the publishing industry due to its unique approach that combines traditional publishing and self-publishing. This model allows authors to have more control over the publishing process while also receiving support from a professional publishing team. Here are some additional points to consider:
In hybrid publishing, the author usually pays for some or all of the publishing costs, but they also receive a higher percentage of royalties compared to traditional publishing.
Hybrid publishers may have specific criteria for the types of manuscripts they accept, such as quality and marketability, to ensure that they are investing in books that have a high chance of success.
Some hybrid publishers offer additional services like marketing and distribution, which can be helpful for authors who want to reach a wider audience.
Don’t let the new lingo confuse you though just like with anything there are scams & red flags to watch out for. It's important for authors to do their research and carefully consider their options before choosing a hybrid publisher, as there are some companies that may not have the author's best interests in mind.
Hi 👋🏻 I’m Katie, Hybrid Publisher at Meraki Press & I’m passionate about creating a reputable and accessible manner for authors to publish books. Now,
Let’s look at some Hybrid Publishing RED FLAGS!
🚩 outrageous prices are a no for me. While there are very real costs involved with publishing, I’ve seen some companies charge $40,000+ to publish your book. If they can’t tell you what they’re doing with that 💰 is a red flag.
🚩 fame is fickle & no one can guarantee you a place on the NYT best seller list. Are there practical marketing tips and practices you can utilize to increase your chances? Absolutely. But if they don’t acknowledge the real stats, risks & benefits, it’s a red flag.
🚩 you can expect clear communication &transparent invoices from a business you’re hiring to do a service. If they skirt the issue or hide costs behind jacked up jargon it’s a red flag.
🚩 no submission guidelines or lacks a vetting process makes them a vanity press. A vanity press is not a hybrid publisher. In order to be a reputable Hybrid Publisher you must have a process & things you publish vs things you don’t. (For ex: we only publish wholesome family friendly content - inspiring fiction and nonfiction that promotes positivity).
🚩 even though we are professionals, the services you’re paying for is one in which you (the author) hold the rights & veto power over the manuscript. Traditional publishers offer a different range of services in which case the author surrenders the rights of their original work to the discretion of the publisher. Know the type of service you want & are hiring. Nothing wrong with either, but if a HYBRID is changing things without your permission or previous written agreement, it’s a red flag.
🚩 contracts should serve you &protect you - not just the company you’re partnering with. If their contracts are too hard to understand or have services cloaked in jargon, it’s a red flag.
These are just a few of the big red flags that can come from the publishing industry. It's important to review the company, their values and who you're working with very closely. If you ever feel uncomfortable with what's happening: ask questions and go slowly!
If you have any questions about publishing, editing, or design, we would love to answer your questions!
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