As an aspiring writer, choosing what type of publishing house to market your book becomes the final straw in a long line of steps towards authoring a book. If you plan to secure a literary agent, it would be wise to get the ball rolling as soon as your book ideas have manifested, mainly because these publishing professionals have to pore over hundreds of manuscripts before they begin to accept you as their client. If you're going solo and are highly motivated to have your book in the hands of a publishing house, begin your research on qualified companies and get to know the differences between a traditional publisher, a hybrid publisher, or even your own self-publishing platform.
The Ins and Outs of Hybrid Publishing
Operating with a unique revenue model than a traditional publisher is what sets this type of publishing house apart. Hybrid publishers or a hybrid press is the cross between traditional and self-publishing. Emerging writers need to know the ins and outs prior to signing any agreements with a hybrid publisher.
Indie publishing, partner publishing, author-assisted publishing, and co-publishing are all types that fall within the hybrid platform. If it's not a traditional publishing house or you're not self-publishing, then it's considered hybrid publishing. Being somewhat of a middle ground type of platform, the hybrid term has become more of a popular umbrella for those writers wishing to distribute their book to a chosen target audience.
Still, hybrid publishing is fairly new, has its own set of controversies and challenges, and no one writer seems to agree as to what it is and the benefits of using it. If a writer wants everything spelled out in black and white prior to a publishing contract, perhaps the hybrid market isn't for you. Ultimately, the author ends up paying for some type of service within the publishing rights, and there is oftentimes a publishing package that can cost exorbitant amounts to the author.
Another term used for hybrid publishers is 'vanity' houses. Yet there is a significant difference between paying for publishing your book and getting paid to publish your book. Hybrid models do have a submissions process, there are hired designers and editors to help with book covers and interior content, and have certain other publishers determining the final hybrid deal. Authors can actually gain higher royalties, despite having to pay for only some services that a hybrid publisher provides.
Traditional Versus Hybrid: Which Will Work Best For You?
It's worth it to note that the hybrid model has been in the works for several years, however, it's taken traditional publishers gaining brokering rights on book deals to bring the ever-popular hybrid publishing to light. These are referred to as co-publishing ventures or distribution deals, or hybrid publishing arrangements. What this translates to is that you as the author have to pay upfront for some type of service in some type of capacity.
The pros and cons of both share one common factor--there is a risk involved in bringing your book to market. Traditional publishers are tough to land a contract with, unless your book is off-the-charts sensational and you work with a literary agent. Hybrid publishing, on the other hand, have certain editorial criteria that outlines what type of authors they want to work with and what type of books they want to publish.
Either way, know that not every manuscript that crosses a hybrid publishers' desk gets accepted. Just as a traditional publishing house, the hybrid model is rather discerning and the overall royalties earned are a bit higher than using a traditional publisher. But, the outlay of initial costs with hybrid publishing is prevalent, unlike the zero costs for signing on with a traditional publisher.
Wrapping Up
Accepting the guidelines around hybrid publishing continues to fuel the creative process for authoring books. Make certain you evaluate every hybrid publisher and what their company entails. If they have an excellent reputation, your book's chances of success are greater.
Every book that a hybrid publisher accepts into their distribution is professionally produced and follows industry standards and best practices.
