Your Guide to the Hybrid Publishing Model (+ Insights from a Hybrid Author)

Traditional and self-publishing are no longer isolated paths. Enter hybrid writers – authors who navigate both realms.

In this article we go over what hybrid publishing is, as well as how to choose a reliable hybrid book publisher to add traction to your author business.

A. What Is a Hybrid Author?

Hybrid authors self-publish some works while licensing publishing rights to trade publishers for others. This is the hybrid writers' definition in a nutshell.

💡Note: Hybrid authors are not authors who publish with hybrid publishing companies. We'll discuss each in detail.

The hybrid model enables authors to maintain autonomy over certain projects while tapping into the expertise and resources of established publishers for others.

The main perk is flexibility. Authors can choose which books to self-publish and which to pitch to traditional publishers. They can also selectively license specific rights, such as print or audiobook rights, to different publishers.

Pros and cons of going hybrid

Being a hybrid author comes with its own unique set of rewards and challenges.

As a hybrid writer, working with a traditional publisher can offer several advantages:

1. Their expertise in book production – from crafting a captivating cover to meticulous editing – can increase the appeal of your book.
2. The prestige associated with traditional publishing often opens doors to industry recognition. Think reviews in influential publications, which are great incentives for their readership.
3. The promise of wider bookstore distribution

On the other hand, it also means relinquishing a degree of control over your book's identity. From cover design to pricing, the publisher's vision often takes precedence.

Bookstore distribution is thrilling, but shelf life is limited, and placement is out of an author's control.

When working with publishers, hybrid authors often focus on limiting the scope of rights agreements. They consider factors like format, territory, and term length to retain control over their intellectual property.

With so much to consider, going hybrid and juggling multiple projects can feel like a high-wire act. But there is something you should know.

💡When publishing traditionally, while the publisher handles some aspects of the process, you'll still be called upon for input and feedback. And when it comes to publicity, you'll still need to invest time and resources to promote your book, even with a traditional publisher behind you.

Let's hear from Danica Favorite, a hybrid author.

Danica Favorite, a hybrid publishing success story

Danica Favorite is a multi-published hybrid author and PublishDrive's community manager.

We have asked Danica to unveil how hybrid publishing works for her, what her challenges are, and what motivates her to continue publishing both traditionally and hybrid.

I look at what is going to be the best fit for my project. I know what will work for my publisher (usually), so those projects get prioritized there. I also have to look at what my contract says, because, based on what the project is, if it's a fit for my publisher, I have to offer it to them first. If the project I'm working on isn't going to be a fit for my publisher, then I will look at self-publishing.

This is my process because I started publishing prior to self-publishing being a big thing, so I've had a relationship with my publisher for a lot of years. I'm actually pretty happy working with them, so it makes sense for me to keep that relationship strong.

However, I do have other ideas and projects I want to work on, so self-publishing gives me the opportunity to have the best of both worlds.

On the one hand, they're very similar. The big myth of traditional publishing is that they do all the marketing for you. This is simply not true. As a traditionally published author, I still have to do marketing for my books, and get word out. The good news is that my traditionally published books are in a lot of stores, including WalMart, so I get to take advantage of that captive audience. However, because my copyright is assigned to my publisher for the duration of my contract, they are in control of pricing and other marketing tactics that I can't control.

With self publishing, I can do more in terms of changing pricing, taking advantage of price promotions, sales, and advertising that I can't do with my traditionally published books.

The nice thing about being traditionally published is that I have a fairly good idea of what will and won't work with that audience. So I don't have as many options in terms of creative decisions. That might sound like a bad thing, but I'm one of those people with a million ideas that could go so many ways, so I have a more straightforward path on my traditionally published books.

With my indie books, I get to be more creative, but that also means I have multiple books going at once that are all over the place, and that's not the best choice, marketing-wise. Still, I think it's fun, and I enjoy having those fun projects to play with.

The biggest challenge is that there isn't as much reader crossover as you'd think.

My traditional readers do not read a lot of ebooks. They prefer lower-cost print books that they can easily pick up at their local store.

I can't self-publish a print book at the same price point as my traditionally published books, so I have to work harder to build my indie audience.

Because I can't control my prices for my traditionally published books, my indie audience tends to be disappointed that those books are often at a higher price point.

Long-term, though, it's a good strategy to build a loyal following that will be willing to cross those barriers. I'll get there!

Reader engagement is about the same, it's just different audiences. One prefers the ebooks, and the other print. Both audiences are price-sensitive, so I'm working on building enough loyalty to get past that barrier.

For me, it's about learning to embrace my strengths and being okay with the difference between a passion project and a project designed to make money.

Sometimes they are the same but sometimes I have to accept that I'm doing a project because it's what I'm passionate about and may not make me the money I want, and that's okay.

This helps me balance my priorities and my time so that I'm giving each priority the right amount of attention.

B. What Is a Hybrid Publisher?

Unlike traditional publishers, who typically give authors book advances and cover all production costs, hybrid book publishers share these responsibilities with authors.

Writers often contribute financially to their book's production, including editing, cover design, and formatting, while the publisher provides services like distribution, marketing, and editorial support.

What to look for?

Hybrid publishing companies offer writers a degree of control over their work, similar to self-publishing. Their author clients also benefit from the professional expertise and industry connections of a publishing company.

💡You need to distinguish between reputable hybrid book publishers and vanity presses.

Reputable hybrid publishing companies typically have a rigorous manuscript selection process, offer professional editorial and design services, and provide clear contracts outlining the author's and publisher's responsibilities.

While the term "hybrid publisher" has gained popularity, note that the quality and services offered by these companies vary widely.

The Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) has established criteria to help authors identify reliable hybrid book publishers. These criteria include factors such as a defined publishing mission, professional editorial and design standards, and effective distribution services.

Jane Friedman has her own set of (more specific) recommendations to help you choose:

1. Selectivity: reputable hybrid book publishers will carefully select the books they publish based on market potential. Avoid publishers who accept any manuscript.

2. Distribution: a key advantage of hybrid publishing is access to physical bookstores. Look for publishers with established distribution channels and a catalog of titles. While online sales dominate, physical distribution is still of value.

3. Support: good hybrid publishers provide support beyond the initial publication, such as marketing and potentially selling subsidiary rights. Be prepared for potential fees for continued services.

Types of hybrid book publishers

In her analysis of hybrid publishers, Jane Friedman describes four main types of hybrid companies:

• Editorially curated hybrids

These publishers selectively choose manuscripts, often offering additional editorial support. Authors typically share in the production costs.

• Crowdfunding hybrids

Authors are required to raise a share of the funds from readers to secure a publishing deal. The publishing process then often resembles traditional publishing.

• Assisted self-publishing

These models prioritize profit over editorial standards, often accepting any manuscript for a fee. This closely resembles traditional vanity publishing.

• Traditional publishers with hybrid arms

Some traditional publishers offer self-publishing services or hybrid options alongside their traditional publishing model.

Publishing process

This is the roadmap that gets you from manuscript to published book in hybrid publishing.

• Manuscript assessment

After submitting the manuscript, the publisher assesses the manuscript's suitability for publication and may require additional editing or development at the author's expense.

• Package selection

The publishers offer various packages with different services and costs. Authors choose the package that aligns with their needs and budget.

Once the contract is signed, the company handles the production process [including editing, design, formatting, printing] and distribution.

• Marketing

Publishers usually provide some marketing support, but authors are responsible for promoting their books.

💡Note that:

• Authors contribute financially to the book's production, such as editing, cover design, and formatting, and additional costs may arise during the process.

Authors typically receive higher royalty rates compared to traditional publishing [up to 50%] due to their financial investment.

C. Roadmap to Hybrid Writing

If you're planning to move to hybrid writing, here are some steps to check when you are crossing between models.

1. From traditionally published to hybrid author

If you're a traditionally published author considering hybrid publishing, you're likely looking for more control over your work and to increase your earnings.

Understand your rights

The first step is to clarify your contractual obligations with your traditional publisher. Determine which rights have reverted back to you and which you'll need to cease in order to self-publish. This information determines your hybrid strategy.

Evaluate your backlist

Identify which titles of your existing catalog could be relaunched by self-publishing. Consider factors such as sales performance, reader feedback, and alignment with your current goals.

Build a fanbase

Take advantage of your existing fanbase to create a solid foundation for your hybrid writing career. Expand your online presence, engage with readers, and establish yourself as an expert in your genre.

Learn self-publishing skills

Familiarize yourself with self-publishing. Learn about editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution. Consider hiring professionals for tasks you're unfamiliar with or to save time.

Develop a hybrid publishing strategy

Determine how you'll balance your traditional and self-publishing efforts. Evaluate factors such as genre, target audience, and time commitments.

Be prepared to experiment with different approaches and adapt your strategy as needed.

2. From indie author to hybrid author

For indie authors, transitioning to a hybrid publishing model means gaining access to a wider audience. Here's how to get started:

Identify your goals

Clearly define what you hope to achieve by partnering with a traditional publisher. Are you seeking an advance payment, increased distribution, or editorial support?

Research most fit publishers

Identify publishers that align with your genre and author platform. Research their track record with similar authors and the types of books they publish.

Prepare your manuscript

Ensure your manuscript is polished and ready for submission. If you feel it suits you, work with a literary agent as many traditional publishers solely accept agented proposals.

If you are doing it solo, clearly pen down submission timelines of your desired publishers.

Negotiate your contract

If you are offered a traditional publishing deal, carefully review the contract terms. Understand your rights, royalties, and the publisher's responsibilities.

Maintain your indie presence

While working with a traditional publisher, consider maintaining your indie publishing efforts. This can allow you to experiment with different genres or formats while building your author brand.

The Choice Is Yours

For many authors, the desire for control over their work, coupled with the perception of a lengthy and uncertain traditional publishing process, has driven many to explore hybrid options.

Authors are seeking quicker paths to publication while maintaining creative control. Hybrid publishing, with its blend of self-publishing and traditional services, has emerged as a solution for authors seeking a balance between independence and professional support.

For those who aim to retain complete freedom and 100% royalties, we are here.