Top Ten Hybrids to Start You Off

For most beginning writers (and even experienced writers), there's the problem of finding good service providers. While everyone wishes they could do it all, the sad reality is that most writers should not design their own covers, lay out their own books, or even edit their own words; these are just skills that not everyone possesses. This means you will need someone else to take your beginning manuscript and make it into a finished product.

An obvious solution is to work with a traditional publisher, but that doesn't work for everyone. You could also hire a team of freelancers, but that means that you need to vet an entire team of people. Hybrid publishers are another solution for those looking for the freedom of self-publishing but wanting some structure to their publishing.

Originally created as a mix between traditional publishers and vanity presses (offering the services of a traditional publisher but at a cost to the writer), these have created controversy since their beginning due to the belief of some that you should "never pay to publish." While this is great when dealing with traditional publishers (who should be picking up most of the tab for publishing the book), it doesn't fare too well in the world of self-publishing. Instead, you should be on the lookout for scammers, who have no problem disguising themselves as whoever it takes to get the money of others.

The hybrids presented here generally follow most, if not all, of the International Book Publishers Association's guidelines for hybrid publishers. Most of these feature a "starter package": a basic line edit, layout of the book, and cover design (usually by a human creator). That, combined with a decent group of beta readers, should be more than sufficient to get you going. Note that these are just a few representative sites; for a more comprehensive list, here is a good place to begin (individual sites have not been checked out).

[Interestingly, only one of the Big Five has an actual hybrid program (Archway. of Simon & Schuster). MacMillan had a pilot program but shut it down while HarperCollin's Ecco has become just another imprint. Interestingly, when Penguin laid off a number of its workers during 2023, some of them formed Authors Express, covered below.]

Archway Publishing: This is Simon & Schuster's hybrid; as such, it's used by the publisher as a potential source of talent. The price is steeper than other hybrids, but you also get published on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as 50 copies of the book and a $250 coupon for your first purchase.

Cost of a Starter Package: $2999

Authors Equity: As noted, this was formed by former Penguin employees when they were laid off by Penguin. This is a new business model, and they've just accepted their first ten authors, so little is known of their true success; this was included for completeness. The concept is that the potential author submits through an agent, and if accepted will receive all of the help needed to publish the book; in exchange, Authors Equity takes a higher percentage of their royalties. However, the author is in full creative control. It should be interesting to see how this works down the road.

Cost of a Starter Package: NA

Bold Story Press: For those looking for an alternative to She Writes (see below), BSP is another press that specializes in women authors. While they do have three packages and offer numerous services, they don't list their prices. Nonetheless, they do come highly recommended. 

Cost of a Starter Package: Contact for Information [they were included as they have three different packages]

Deep River Books: This is one of the closest to a full partnership on this list. You get a full-service partner, a killer distribution deal, and a 12% royalty for the price of a thousand books. For those wanting to run a crowdfunder, this is an almost ideal partner. 

Cost of a Starter Package: 1000 books minimum (starting at a 30% discount, or about $12,000+)

Manhattan Book Group: For those curious about what a high-end hybrid looks like, this is it. MBG does everything with all sorts of options available. While it doesn't guarantee success, it does its very best to do so, with access to all sorts of specialists and help available. This is one of the few times a company has earned its high rating, with universal acclaim. You're going to get the best service you can get, but you're going to pay for it. Oh, and financing plans are available, up to $250,000.

Cost of a Starter Package: $11,000

Mindstir Media: A great hybrid, they have a number of great packages available, all with monthly financing options (6, 12, and 36 months). The various packages are pretty thorough and give an author numerous options. What makes Minstir stand out is the variety of accolades they've gotten, from various book groups to Rick Harris of "Pawn Stars." However, what matters from an author's perspective is that they will hold your hand, make sure your book is protected, and let you do what you feel you need to do.

Cost of a Starter Package: $3299

Science Thrillers Media: While they focus on science fiction, they are nonetheless a good publisher. If accepted, you choose and pay for just the services you need; if you have some skills needed for publishing or want someone else to do it for you, you just purchase the skills you need. 

Cost of a Starter Package: variable [pricing depends on services piurchased]

Seacoast Press: Another premium hybrid, Seacoast actually lists its service prices in its price sheet. Financing is available, and there is a cheaper package (however, it doesn't include editing). However, it does offer 100% royalties (a $14.99 6"x9" 200-page book would thus net $4.18 (after printing costs, compared to Amazon's $5.19)). 

Cost of a Starter Package: $9500

She Writes Press: While they specialize in women authors and they're definitely on the higher end cost-wise, their reputation is well worth the cost. They also offer more than most hybrids, such as fulfillment and distribution through Simon & Schuster, so if you're accepted you will be taken care of rather well. 

Cost of a Starter Package: $10,000

TCK Publishing: TCK offers a different business model than others: They gain most of their revenue from classes they offer and, if accepted (there is a submission process) you don't pay an upfront cost, but you do pay half your royalties. Given the quality of the books, this could be a good trade-off. 

Cost of a Starter Package: NA [50% of royalties]

[Pro Tip: Most of these sites will publish to Amazon, IngramSpark, and other POD platforms. With that in mind, just use the publisher for their non-publishing services and then upload to them yourself; this eliminates them from the loop and maximizes your profit. You should also upload to Draft2Digital to cover a lot of other bases.]

This should be more than enough to get you started. Remember to vet each hybrid and to have the contract checked out by a lawyer if you're not 100% comfortable. Also, not all hybrids are good fits for everyone, and they're obviously not perfect; some hybrids have their fans and their enemies, so pay very close attention to the reviews. Otherwise, good luck with your book!