Messages from the Publishing House

By Carolyn Wooddall

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If you’re a writer who has written a book, congratulations! This part of the journey deserves all the celebration! Now, it’s time to start the next part of your journey—getting published. If you’re a writer – like me – embarking on that path to getting publication, you may be familiar with the term “hybrid publisher.” If not, you might be wondering what exactly a hybrid publisher is and how it differs from a traditional publisher.

When it comes to getting a book published, there are three publishing models:

1. Traditional Publishing: Most people are familiar with the traditional publishing model, in which established companies like Penguin/Random House, Harper Collins, Simon & Schuster, and Macmillan discover a book they wish to publish. They engage in contract negotiations with the author and oversee various aspects of book production, including editing, design, printing, distribution, and some marketing efforts. The profits generated from book sales are then divided between the publisher and author as royalty payments.
2. Self-Publishing: In this model, the author takes on the role of publisher and manages every aspect of the process, including editing, design, marketing, and sales. Consequently, the author retains full control over decision-making and bears the financial responsibility for bringing their book to fruition. All profits, as well as any potential losses, are solely the author’s.
3. Hybrid/Partnership Publishing: As the name implies, this publishing model combines the best aspects of both traditional and self-publishing. Boutique hybrid publishers essentially form a partnership between the publisher and the author. Similar to traditional publishing, the author enters into a contract with the hybrid publisher. The specific terms of this contract may vary among hybrid publishing houses, but the fundamental idea is that the risks and rewards are shared between the author and the publisher.

Now that we’ve defined the different publishing models, we’re going to spend some time diving into the benefits of working with a hybrid publisher.

As a boutique hybrid publisher, iPub Global Connections takes pride in being a publishing partner with all of its writers. Here are the top 5 benefits of working with a hybrid publisher like iPub:

1. Creative control: Unlike traditional publishing, hybrid publishers allow authors to actively participate in the publishing process. This means authors can have a say in cover design, editing, and marketing strategies.
2. Higher royalties: Typically, hybrid publishers offer authors higher royalty rates compared to traditional publishers. This means authors have the potential to earn more from the sales of their books.
3. Quicker time to market: Hybrid publishers streamline the publishing process, enabling authors to get their books to market faster than with traditional publishers.
4. Distribution and marketing support: Hybrid publishers provide valuable assistance to authors in reaching a wider audience and selling more books.
5. Personalized approach: As hybrid publishing involves a partnership between the author and the publisher, personalized services can be negotiated. This may include professional editing, design services, and other tailored solutions to ensure the book meets industry standards.

Overall, working with a hybrid publisher offers authors a balance between the benefits of traditional and self-publishing. It is important for authors to research and identify hybrid publishers that specialize in their specific genres or types of books before submitting their manuscripts.

If you are an author interested in working with us to publish your book, we are currently accepting unsolicited manuscripts from bright minds who aspire to contribute to a better tomorrow. If you have written a nonfiction piece focused on topics such as approaches to improving the world, global ethics, interfaith relationships, or secular humanism, we would love to hear from you. Even if your work falls outside these specific areas, we still encourage you to submit, as our team carefully reviews all submissions and will engage in a conversation with you if your work is not a good fit for us.