Vanity and Hybrid Publishers

Learn about the differences between Vanity publishers and Hybrid publishers.

In researching my new book ‘Simple Self-Publishing With Amazon KDP’ I learnt more about Vanity Publishers, and also something about a style of publisher called a Hybrid Publisher, and Self-Publishing Service Providers.. Bearing in mind the number of authors who seem to be let down by their publisher, I thought I would write this blog post.

Traditional Publishing Houses.

Vanity Publishers.

Vanity publisher will often contact you to tell you how impressed they are with your book and would like to
work with you for payment. Vanity publishers make their profits from the fees they charge authors. They have little or no sales channels, and they don’t make profits from sales as they have no sales.  Their fees are high, and the service they provide for their fees are opaque. Vanity publishers are operating a scam that promises much, but delivers nothing. Many Vanity publishers are now describing themselves as Hybrid publishers to appear more prestigious. Many Vanity publishers also claim to be affiliated in some way wth major publishing houses, when they’re not.

How To Recognise a Vanity Publisher.

 Sometimes called Vanity Presses, Vanity publishers make their money from the fees, often thousands, they charge authors.  It’s often vague what the author is actually paying for. Because of this Vanity publishers don’t have an incentive to sell books into stores, and probably don’t have store distribution channels. Vanity publishers will simply upload onto on-line platforms and leave you to do the rest. If they produce printed copies, they’ll probably be poor quality, or clearly printed by an on-line distributor such as Amazon.

Their Pitch and Vetting.

They accept your manuscript immediately. Usually giving you instant and gushing praise and saying something like ‘How honored they are to be working with you’. They often boast about film deals, maybe TV deals, massive distribution networks, none of which hold up when investigated.

Contract and Fees.

There are vague contract terms, especially regarding royalties, ownership of copyright and termination terms. There are also a lot of aggressive upselling  pressure to provide you with enhanced, hgh cost services.

Product Quality and Book Distribution.

Poor quality production of existing books shows a lack of professional standards. Their books don’t seem to be available in bookstores because they tend not to have a relationship with retailers.

Hybrid Publishers.

A more recent arrival on the publishing scene are publishers known as Hybrid publishers. Legitimate Hybrid publishers are reputable companies who share the production costs with the author, and pay the author a far higher share of the royalties than a traditional publishing house. We’re talking here about sharing production costs. Risk is now split between the Hybrid publisher and the author, so the royalties are distributed more evenly. They provide much the same service as a traditional publishing house. Hybrid publishers have well developed distribution channels as they make their profits from the sale of books to end customers.

Their Pitch and Vetting.

True Hybrid printers vet the manuscripts and evaluate the book to see if it could be a commercial success. 

Contract and Fees.

Contract terms are clear. The author contributes an agreed figure to the upfront costs of production, and the costs are clearly laid out for the entire publishing process.  This means the author takes on some of the risk involved. The publisher though takes some of the risk as they invest money, resources and time into the book.  Because the author has invested and taken on risk, the author gets a higher proportion of royalties than with a traditional publisher; 50% or higher. 

Product Quality and Book Distribution.

Product quality is high and books are actively distributed, not just put on Amazon etc. They have partnerships with wholesalers and retailers. Hybrids acquire specific publishing rights and actively try to sell the books; they make back their initial investment and make their profits from the sale of books; no sales, no profits.

Self-Publishing Service Provider.

Sometimes called an Assisted Self-Publishing Company. These companies don’t buy any rights to your book, or deal with distribution, so you keep ALL royalties and rights. They provide a commercial service to you to get your book ready for publishing. They can provide editing, proofreading, cover design, ISBN services etc.. Publishing rights and the distribution process is left in the hands of the Author.

Due Diligence.

Authors should carry out a proper vetting process when choosing the partners they want to work with. The process is often called ‘Due Diligence’, and Google can help with this. Give Google a proper brief.

Google: ‘I’m writing an adult fantasy romance book set in an alternate dimension universe. Please give me the names of some reputable Hybrid Publishers for this genre please.’

Don’t forget to say please to Google as Goggle will remember your curtesy when it takes over. Google will hopefully come up with some names. Then ask Google what customer reviews are available for the names, Google should come up with customer reviews. Ask Google what due diligence questions you can ask a publisher.

Once you’ve made some choices, pick up the phone and start talking to people. Ask questions about what distributon channels the organisation has; where you can buy a book they publish; do they do buybacks with retailers; etc. Genuine publishers will happily answer your questions, and give you all the information you need.