Hybrid Publishing Explained: Finding the Right Blend for Your Book

These days, authors have access to more options than ever when it comes to getting their works out into the world.  One of the increasingly popular choices is hybrid publishing. But what exactly does hybrid publishing entail, and how can you determine if it's the right path for your book?

Hybrid publishing is a blend of traditional and self-publishing approaches. This would be a good way to describe it but not for anyone who doesn't know what traditional publishing or self-publishing is.

Traditional publishing is the route writers take when they submit their manuscripts to established publishing houses for consideration and if it is accepted, the publisher takes care of the entire publishing process and pays the writer for the privilege of publishing their book, but the author has less control over the process.

Self-publishing, however, doesn't involve the use of traditional publishing houses. Authors independently publish their work and handle all aspects of publishing, while retaining complete control over their work, they also bear all costs associated with publishing.

In hybrid publishing, authors typically contribute financially to the publication process while also keeping a significant degree of creative control. With hybrid publishing, you have a say in every aspect of the book's production and quicker turnaround times than traditional publishing. Hybrid publishing will give authors a more substantial share of the profits, and authors pay upfront fees to cover some of the publishing expenses, which can be a barrier for those on a tight budget.

Hybrid Publishing could take various forms, often a Partnership hybrid model where the author finances the publishing process, and the publisher does the work of editing and distributing the book. Other times literary agents cut deals to take care of the production process with authors whom they believe their commercial appeal might not meet the traditional publishing house standards or sometimes, authors may rely on crowdfunding efforts to attract enough money to cover the publishing costs required by the hybrid publisher. Occasionally, the publishing house will start working on the book before the entire sum has been paid.

Knowing if Hybrid publishing is right for you would depend on your goals and priorities as an author. Are you primarily looking to have creative control over your work, or are you more interested in the support and validation that traditional publishing affords you? There's also the matter of how much you're willing to spend, although hybrid publishing allows you more control it isn't cheap. Should you choose to go hybrid, choose your hybrid publishing company carefully. While many hybrid publishers maintain high standards, not all companies adhere to best practices. It is best to ask for referrals from other authors who have gone through the hybrid publishing process.