Understanding Hybrid Publishing…

For a long time, authors faced a stark choice: hand the whole process over to a traditional publisher or take it all on themselves. Hybrid publishing has emerged as a genuine third option, and it's one I get asked about more and more.

In a hybrid arrangement, you contribute to the cost of producing your book — think editing, design, typesetting, production — while the publisher brings the professional infrastructure: vetting, editorial oversight, their own imprint, and a strategic approach to distribution. In exchange, you keep a far bigger slice of the royalties than a traditional deal would ever offer, often 70-90% or more of net.

When done right, it is a genuine partnership rather than a transaction. The publisher has skin in the game too — a book that sells well reflects on them, and most take a modest percentage of royalties to recoup the time and expertise they've invested. Because of that, it's very much in their interest to only take on books they believe in and produce them well.‍‍ ‍