Getting Published in NYC: What is a Hybrid Book Publisher?

If you are looking to publish a book, no longer do you have to go the traditional or self-publishing route only. Instead, you can choose a hybrid book publisher that gives you the structure and support of a team of professionals while letting you maintain control and a bigger share of your royalties. 

Before deciding how to publish your next title, here’s an article explaining what a hybrid book publisher is, the top 5 benefits of choosing this route, and the top 4 hybrid book publishers in NYC to partner with.

What is a Hybrid Book Publisher?

While every publishing house sets up its hybrid model differently, there are some basic similarities among hybrid book publishers. As the term “hybrid” suggests, they combine elements of self-publishing and traditional publishing to offer authors the best of both worlds. For example, you’ll get the traditional publishing package of a design, editorial, and marketing team to support your publication while earning more royalties similar to self-publishing. 

A hybrid book publisher usually expects authors to put up a certain amount of money to invest in their publication, similar to how the self-publishing process will work. In order to distinguish between scams and reputable hybrid publishers, the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) put out criteria defining reputable hybrid publishers. The nine criteria indicate a hybrid publisher must:

• Define a mission and vision for its publishing program.
• Vet submissions.
• Publish under its own imprint(s) and ISBNs.
• Publish to industry standards
• Ensure editorial, design, and production quality.
• Pursue and manage a range of publishing rights.
• Provide distribution services.
• Demonstrate respectable sales.
• Pay authors a higher-than-standard royalty.

Benefits of a Hybrid Book Publisher 

So, why should you consider a hybrid model for your publishing endeavors? Here are 5 benefits of a hybrid book publisher.

1. Handle the Publishing Tasks

Let’s face it, authors enjoy writing, and the publishing process includes tasks that you might not want to handle. A hybrid publisher will manage the editing, designing, and marketing for you with their team of expert professionals. 

2. Bigger Share of Royalties

One of the biggest advantages of hybrid publishing over traditional publishing is the bigger share of royalties for each book sold. For example, you can get 40% or more in royalties with hybrid book publishers. In contrast, traditional publishers give authors an average of:

• 10-15% for hardcovers
• 8-10% for paperbacks
• 25% for ebooks 

3. Industry Connections 

Most hybrid book publishers are well-established in the industry with connections to marketing avenues, wholesalers, or retail locations for sales. As a self-publisher, you won’t have access to the same distribution channels or built-in infrastructures for book marketing. Some publishers might even be a subsidiary of a larger press and give your book access to their parent company’s platforms. 

4. More Involvement and Control 

Hybrid book publishers offer authors more involvement through the pre-publication process. You have a better chance of getting your voice heard for creative input, such as how your book cover looks and is presented to the marketplace.

5. No Go-Betweens Required

Working with a hybrid book publisher means you don’t need a literary agent or other middlemen to get your manuscript read. Most traditional publishers won’t accept unsolicited submissions without a literary agent, which is an added cost for authors. 

Top 4 Hybrid Book Publishers (NYC)

With so many publishing houses available, it can be overwhelming to choose which one to go with. Here are the top 4 hybrid book publishers in NYC and why.

1. Manhattan Book Group

Located on Broadway in NYC, the Manhattan Book Group has connections to 30,000 wholesalers and retailers in over 100 countries. One of the amazing features of partnering with them for your publication needs is you retain 100% of your royalties! There’s little surprise Manhattan Book Group reviews list them as a top independent publisher in NYC and top hybrid book publisher worldwide. 

Other benefits you can expect, include:

• Authors retain all publishing rights and creative control
• A full-service book publishing program at a great value for the all-inclusive services
• Monthly financing to make their rates even more budget-friendly 
• Press release articles guaranteed to have pickups or placements on CBS, NBC, and Fox websites
• Aggressive online advertising for guaranteed Amazon Best Seller status 

2. Hybrid Global Publishing 

Hybrid Global Publishing is headquartered in NYC and promises authors a publishing timeline of 8 to 10 weeks from the manuscript to the on-sale date. They provide resources for authors to promote and increase sales of books, whether you are newly published or already have a publication out.

Other benefits of choosing them are:

• They provide worldwide network distribution 
• Authors are involved with all the publishing decisions
• They have a coaching program for author success

3. Union Square Publishing 

Founded in 2008 and based in NYC, Union Square Publishing aims to distribute your book to the broadest audiences seamlessly. From the time the manuscript is accepted, books will take between 3 to 6 months to get to market. 

Other benefits include:

• Authors are involved with all publishing decisions
• Authors get up to 40% in royalties and can receive advances
• Authors maintain creative ownership and control of Intellectual Property Rights 
• They offer social networking and worldwide network distribution 

4. Austin Macauley Publishers

Although originally from London and Cambridge, Austin Macauley Publishers opened their NYC office in January 2017 and have a network of global contacts. They are also a member of the IBPA and American Booksellers Association (ABA). 

Benefits of publishing with them include:

• Books are available as print, ebooks, and audiobooks
• They have two contract options: a non-contributory contract or a partnership agreement
• Authors get paid royalties every six months