What is Hybrid Publishing?

Hybrid publishing, like traditional publishing, is a business model publishers use to produce books.

Hybrid publishers use what is called an “author‑subsidized” business model. Instead of receiving an advance, authors invest in the cost of the book project by paying the publisher for their services. In exchange, the publisher offers a higher-than-standard share of sales proceeds to the author. 

Both the publisher and author are investing in the project (in terms of finances, expertise, time, and work), and both benefit from a successful title. In all other ways beside finances – from editorial, production, distribution, rights and metadata management, to marketing – hybrid publishing is exactly like traditional publishing.

Hybrid with H2C     Hybrid Standards     TL;DR

In hybrid publishing, regardless of who pays for editorial, design, and production fees, it is always the publisher that bears responsibility for producing, distributing, and ultimately selling professional‑quality books.

Hybrid Publishing with How2Conquer

Depending on an author’s goals for their book and how it fits into their wider platform, we offer both traditional and hybrid contracts to find a model that works best for each project.

The only differences between hybrid and traditional publishing contracts are how the project is funded and how royalties are broken down. In all other regards, projects completed under hybrid and traditional contracts are the same.

Of course not! We offer traditional contracts as a standard.

Some authors have simply requested a hybrid contract because it better fit their goals for their book. For example, if an author was planning to use their book as part of a service offering, company/brand building, or to support their expertise in consulting or professional speaking, they might decide a hybrid contract was a better option for them.

No. 

Although hybrid publishers are author-subsidized, they are different from other author‑subsidized models (i.e., self-publishing service providers, vanity presses). Hybrid contracts include the same services as traditional contracts, and publishers must adhere to professional publishing standards.

In order to be considered a hybrid publisher by the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), publishers must meet specific criteria. 

Hybrid Standards

Our boilerplate hybrid publishing contract calculates an all‑inclusive services package cost based on the same estimated hours and line item expenses we budget for projects completed under traditional contracts.

This total investment is split between How2Conquer and the author, with the author covering about 40% or less of the total investment. 

Our hybrid contracts include the same services as our traditional contracts, covered by the all‑inclusive services package. There are no surprise fees or costs added at a later time.

Read About Our Services

 
Traditional Contracts
Hybrid Contracts
Advance Author receives an advance against royalties after signing the contract. After royalties surpass this advance, author begins to collect royalties. Author does not receive an advance, but they begin collecting royalties at publication.
Print Royalties
First 5,000 Print Copies Sold 10% 60%
Next 10,000 Print Copies Sold 15%
In Excess of 15,000 Print Copies Sold 20%
Digital Royalties (includes ebooks and audiobooks, as applicable)
First 5,000 Digital Copies Sold 25% 80%
Next 10,000 Digital Copies Sold 35%
In Excess of 15,000 Digital Copies Sold 50%
Royalty Projections

We are happy to provide you with royalty projections based on our sales projections. Understand that we don’t have a crystal ball, however, and that sometimes things beyond anyone’s control impact how well a book will sell. Projections are not guarantees.

“Working with How2Conquer was a journey of discovery, love, and respect. The team were responsive, caring, supportive, and always found time to answer my quirky questions.”

Carlos Francisco, author of So, You Want to Get into Corporate Security?

Hybrid Publishing Standards

The Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) maintains a list of criteria to promote standards and quality control amongst hybrid publishers. In order to be considered a hybrid publisher by the IBPA, a publisher must meet this criteria.

Define a mission and vision for its publishing program.
Vet submissions.
Commit to truth and transparency in business practices.
Provide a negotiable, easy-to-understand contract for each book published.
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.

Comparing Publishing Models

 
Author
Publisher
 

Invests in Project

Receives Advance

Receives Royalties/ Revenue

Vets Submissions

Ensures Quality

Provides Distribution

Provides Marketing

Benefits from Sales

Traditional Publishing  
Hybrid Publishing  
Self Publishing        
Vanity Publishing