How to Write Your Book with A Hybrid Publisher

Hybrid publishing is the newer kid on the block compared to traditional publishing and self-publishing. For some authors, it’s the best of both worlds. For others, newer isn’t always better.

In this article, you’ll learn the ins and outs of hybrid publishing, along with its costs and benefits—and how Scribe’s model is efficient and customizable.

Understanding Hybrid Publishing

For authors who don’t have a literary agent and want help, guidance, and accountability in writing and publishing, hybrid publishing is the perfect fit.

With a hybrid model, publishers may pay authors little to no advance and keep some of the book’s royalties, though every company’s model is different. Typically, hybrid publishers control much of the publishing process, complete a portion (or all) of the work, and oversee publication.

Traditional publishing and self-publishing lie at opposite ends of the spectrum, with hybrid publishing in the middle. A traditional publishing model has the following components:

1. Book agents pitch the idea or manuscript to a publishing company.
2. Publishers own the print license and pay the author an advance on royalties.
3. Authors write their book and may receive editorial help from the publisher.
4. Publishers manage and control the entire publishing and distribution process.

Traditional publishers have the final say over all aspects of publication, including writing and content. Authors typically are not involved in the paperback or hardcover design either.

While traditional publishers handle book distribution, any book marketing is left in authors’ hands. This is because big publishers have never needed to worry about reaching readers, the end users.

In the self-publishing model, authors manage all publishing work, whether that’s hiring freelancers or publishing services companies for a fee or completing all work themselves. Here’s how it’s set up:

1. No literary agent is needed.
2. There is no publishing company involved that accepts the book or pays royalties in advance.
3. Authors write and edit their own book, unless they pay an independent entity for the service.
4. Authors retain complete ownership of their book (and royalties) and control publishing, distribution, and marketing.

For authors who like a lot of control and have plenty of time and energy to dedicate to their project, self-publishing may be the way to go. Also, if you’re the kind of person who enjoys learning and navigating new processes, especially if this is your first book, then self-publishing can be an especially rewarding journey.

So which authors benefit the most from a hybrid publishing model?

Perhaps you’re an expert in your field and ready to write a book. You may not be a recognizable household name, so finding an agent to represent you and pursuing the traditional publishing path is probably out of the question. You know how much you want to spend and have chapter and cover ideas, but you’ll need help with writing, organizing, publishing, and probably even marketing your book. This is the profile of a hybrid author.

In hybrid publishing, depending on the publisher you work with, you may hang on to some or all of the rights to your book. As far as writing, publication, distribution, and marketing are concerned, you have options that vary by publisher.

Here are your key considerations if you think hybrid publishing is for you:

1. Ask the publisher about copyrights and all other rights involved.
2. Find out if packages or “a la carte” services are available and the price points for each.
3. Ask how the publisher handles royalties.
4. Ask about the distribution process.
5. Ask if the publisher offers marketing and promotion. Find out the scope of their work.
6. Think about content creation. Do you want to control all aspects of writing?

This is just some of the information that is important to gather before you make any solid decisions about publishing.

Scribe’s Hybrid Publishing Models

At Scribe, we have a variety of hybrid models to choose from: Scribe Professional (Scribe Pro), Scribe Publishing, Scribe Guided Author, and Elite Ghostwriting. Scribe Pro includes everything you need to develop your book idea, write and edit your book, design the covers, and publish and market the final product. Let’s dive deeper into this comprehensive solution.

Scribe Pro is an interview-based book writing and publishing service similar to ghostwriting. These are its features:

1. Manuscript creation: Our team of ghostwriters helps structure and develop your book through a series of interviews. This allows you to get the ideas out of your head and into a polished manuscript with your words and voice.
2. Publishing: Your book team coordinates all the publishing details of your book, such as a publishing timeline. Graphic designers complete the interior layout and design the front and back cover, while copywriters complete your back cover copy.
3. Distribution: Scribe Pro features full printing services, including full distribution through major online retailers such as Amazon, BarnesandNoble.com, and iBooks.
4. Launch and promotion: We employ our Targeted Amazon Bestseller Strategy to secure early Amazon reviews. We also provide you with a full set of social media posts, emails, and graphics for launch week to assist in leveraging your network.

With Scribe Pro, you retain all rights and ownership of your book, which is printed in hardcover, paperback, and e-book formats. You also keep all royalties and can order unlimited copies of your book at production, with the first one hundred copies on us.

Entrepreneurs, executives, and consultants are clients who benefit the most from Scribe Pro, but anyone who wants to write and publish a professional book in their words and voice with the support of a book team and ghostwriters can utilize Scribe Pro services and get their money’s worth.

Choosing the Right Hybrid Publisher

If the hybrid model is how you want to create your book, how do you select the right publisher? There are a few key factors to consider.

First, you want to work with a company that has crafted and published many books. Publishing a book is no easy feat, and it’s important that the team you work with understands every aspect and has lived through all real and imagined complications. Experience counts.

Think of the support you need as an author, too. Are you focused mainly on ghostwriting services, or do you want to work with a publisher who can manage the beginning through end of the publishing process? Not all hybrid publishers handle marketing or promotion, either, so you’ll want to ensure that you’re looking at more than just price when you select a publishing company.

Speaking of price and value, you’ll want to read the contract drafted for you, make sure you understand it, and read it again. Know the options you have with the publishing model you’ve selected. Is there a mandatory timeline for publication? What if your ghostwriter isn’t a great match? Who owns the royalties and rights? By signing a contract with a publisher, you’re committing to a long-term relationship that will produce one of the most meaningful end products you’ll ever create.

Is Hybrid Publishing Right for You?

Whether traditional publishing, self-publishing, or hybrid publishing is how you choose to create your book, your journey is unique, and one that many never embark on.

The hybrid model allows you to complete this journey with support, resources, and peace of mind, knowing that your book is the best it can be. But not all hybrid publishers are the same. Give Scribe Pro a try and allow us to help you craft a book you can be proud of.