June 24, 2019
Hybrid publishing blends aspects of both traditional publishing and self-publishing, and without a doubt, it’s the best way for new voices to be heard today. Are you ready for your voice to be heard too? If so, then hybrid publishing awaits. I’ve written a number of articles that shine light on different aspects of hybrid publishing, such as why hybrid publishing is currently the most popular publishing path, the main steps to publishing a book with a hybrid publisher, the different types of hybrid publishing companies that exist and what to look for in a hybrid publisher. However, you may be wondering what all of this means to you more specifically. Today I’d like to share with you the four main things that you should know if you’re considering the hybrid publishing route–bringing your book to life and having your voice heard loud and clear.
#1. Hybrid Publishing Is a Partnership
You don’t go it alone. Hybrid publishing is all about sharing risks, responsibilities and rewards as a team. Author and publisher both have an ongoing duty to the book. While their individual functions and tasks won’t be the same, both parties will have a shared responsibility for the success of the book. That’s why it’s so important for an author to choose the right hybrid publisher and for a hybrid publisher to choose the right author. If you’re not certain that a particular hybrid publisher has your book’s best interests at heart, then just walk away. Like any potential partnership, you should first be confident of your hybrid publisher’s abilities and motivations before you sign on any dotted line. Only a true publishing partner will be able to realize your book’s potential, now and in the future.
#2. Marketing Is Everyone’s Job
Consistent marketing and promotional efforts are what needs to happen to get books sold, but whose job is it? It’s everyone’s. An author’s duties don’t end once they’ve turned in their manuscript and a publisher’s duties don’t end once the book has been printed. If hybrid publishing is a partnership between author and publisher, then both sides must hold up their end of the marketing bargain. After all, you can’t build a solid house with only one wall. Both author and publisher have unique tools and talents to contribute to the marketing mix. So are you willing to try your best and get more copies of your book sold? Authors don’t need to know everything right out of the gate, but every author whose work will be published by a hybrid publisher needs to be willing to learn more about marketing and make the effort to market and promote their book consistently. Only then can both author and publisher be able to pull their marketing weight. Just make sure that your hybrid publisher is pulling their weight too.
#3. Books Can Generate Multiple Revenue Streams
As you know, there are many types of books and there are many types of authors. Once the marketing is in place, there are also many types of revenue streams that can be made from books. Most directly, the money that you will make from your book when published by a hybrid publisher will be in the form of royalties—this is a percentage of your book’s revenue. Depending on how your publisher operates, your book royalties may be paid out to you on a monthly or quarterly basis. Other revenue streams are less direct, but depending on your particular situation, they may be more lucrative. Here are some ideas:
- You can sell book-related products to your readers and other interested parties. For example, if your book is about aromatherapy, you can sell aromatherapy supplies or your own special aromatherapy blends.
- If you’re a consultant or if you provide some type of service to others in exchange for a fee, then your book can be your calling card, helping to drum up more business and justify charging higher rates.
- You can speak at events or to groups, companies and organizations, sharing your expertise on the topic of your book. And you can charge speaking fees.
You can use your book as a springboard to earn additional money and help you achieve other goals.
#4. Hybrid Publishing Costs Money in the Beginning
Hybrid publishing is built upon the concept of shared risks and shared rewards for author and publisher, but the risks and rewards aren’t identical. To engage the expertise of the publisher, authors are typically required to cover the initial investment of their partnership. Exact costs may vary depending on the specific publisher and the expectations that are established between author and publisher. However, it’s important to take a moment to make a distinction between hybrid publishers and vanity publishers that masquerade as hybrid publishers. Real hybrid publishers charge authors to offset initial costs and investments of labor and materials, but have a reasonable expectation of earning their profits through book sales. Vanity publishers, on the other hand, make all of their money through author fees and don’t really expect to see any book sales at all, which is why vanity publishers typically won’t do any marketing if the author doesn’t bankroll every effort. Are you comfortable with the idea of providing the startup costs for your book partnership in exchange for the expertise and the long-term efforts your publisher will make on behalf of your book? Hybrid publishing isn’t free, but the model guarantees that you’ll have an expert hand guiding you and backing you up every step of the way as your book earns more and more sales. Hybrid publishing, as the perfect combination of both traditional publishing and self-publishing, offers authors the opportunity to have their voices heard and to be part of a team that wants nothing more than your book’s success.
Dudley Court Press
Dudley Court Press works with writers like you every day. As a full-service, hybrid publishing house, we help thoughtful people write their books and become successful published authors. Are you interested in Self-Publishing? Let Dudley Court Press help with our Assisted Self-Publishing Program. For more information, including about DCP’s latest program Aspiring Author to Published Pro, please get in touch at or info@DudleyCourtPress.com.