hybrid publishers assist with eBook formatting
Like traditional publishers, hybrids typically have a publishing and marketing strategy in place to get books into the hands of readers. This strategy may include a partnership with a distribution company that works to place books with retailers, wholesalers, and libraries, or it may include publisher outreach to a network of writers’ clubs, groups, and organizations.
A key to evaluating the quality of a hybrid publisher is finding out whether or not they provide a service called “platforming,” which helps authors set up and manage their digital presence on the world’s leading retail platforms. This is a service that is essential to the success of every book. Unless an author is already highly visible in her genre and has an extensive following on social media and in other online forums, it’s almost impossible to get a book noticed without platforming it.
The quality of a hybrid publisher also depends on its ability to offer the same publishing standards that are held by a trad house. This includes proofreading and editing, cover design, interior layout, and the printing and publication of a book. Most importantly, a hybrid publisher should provide distribution services, which include both online and physical sales channels.
Do hybrid publishers assist with eBook formatting?
Hybrid publishing is an attractive option for many authors, particularly those who have struggled to find a traditional publisher. But it’s important to do your research before signing a contract with one of these companies, just as you would when hiring any contractor. There are a lot of scammers out there, and some publishers that simply call themselves hybrid are misleading authors.
The best hybrid publishers are ones that offer a full suite of publishing services for an affordable price. In addition to offering a wide range of publishing and marketing options, these companies should provide a professional level of gatekeeping and a high standard for the books they publish. They should also pay royalties that are higher than those offered by traditional publishers.
The hybrid publishing model differs significantly from traditional publishing, where the publisher assumes full control over the production, distribution, and marketing of a book, as well as from self-publishing, where the author is responsible for every aspect of the process.
Some hybrid publishers have a low bar for what they’ll publish, but this isn’t always a good thing. Look for a hybrid publisher with a track record of publishing books in your genre and that can demonstrate respectable sales numbers for their backlist of books.
A hybrid publisher can be a great option for authors who have existing fan bases and an audience that will help them move books. But if you’re not already in this group, you should consider a self-publishing approach instead, as it will provide better results in the long run. In my survey, 94% of authors who signed a hybrid deal said they were dissatisfied with their publisher, and most were paying thousands of dollars for a service that could have been done much cheaper on their own. That’s a huge waste of money.
