A Publisher's Conversation with Authors: A Publisher's View of Hybrid Publication

 

It is Tuesday. Monday's madness is over, and Wednesday will take us over the hump, so Tuesday it is--for some serious discussion with authors. Tuesday talks mean to address authors in waiting and self-published authors who would like to go a more traditional route or who would at least like to take their steps with a publisher by their side. 

This week's topic is hybrid publication. Times are changing, and so is the publishing industry. As a publisher, I see it every day: the increasing challenges of traditional publication, the surge in self-publishing, and the rising role of hybrid publication as a practical and promising middle ground. Let’s talk about why hybrid publishing is no longer a fringe option—it’s a realistic and necessary path for many first-time authors.

Why Traditional Publishing Is No Longer the Default

Traditional publishing, once the gold standard, is becoming less viable—especially for debut authors. The cost of editing, design, printing, distribution, marketing, and fulfillment has gone up dramatically. At the same time, the discoverability of books—even those by well-known authors—has declined. Bookstores stock fewer titles, media coverage is limited, and digital noise drowns out most releases.

For publishers, this means that taking on untested authors with no platform and no marketing experience is an increasingly high-stakes gamble. I often hear new authors say, “Isn’t it your job to sell the book?” But in reality, readers connect with authors, not publishers. A book’s success depends heavily on an author’s ability—and willingness—to engage with readers, build a platform, and contribute to marketing efforts.

The Author’s Dilemma—and the Hybrid Solution

Many new authors are understandably frustrated by this reality. After months or years of writing, they find it almost impossible to secure a traditional publishing deal. Self-publishing is an option, but it can be daunting—and let’s face it, the learning curve is steep. That’s where hybrid publishing comes in.

Hybrid publishing offers a shared-risk, shared-investment model. The publisher provides professional editorial, design, distribution, and branding services. The author contributes financially to the production and marketing process. Costs are split, and as a result, so are the rewards. Authors typically receive higher royalties—often 50% of net profits, sometimes more depending on the arrangement.

From my perspective as a publisher, hybrid publishing enables me to take on talented but unknown writers who may need editorial development or support, but who also believe enough in their work to invest in it. That’s key.

When Authors Push Back

Occasionally, I receive a manuscript from a first-time author who has no public platform, offers no marketing plan, and sends in a book that still needs heavy editorial work. When I suggest hybrid publishing, the author pushes back. The response is sometimes indignant: “Why should I pay to publish my book?”

Here’s my honest answer:
If you don’t believe your book is worth investing in, why should I?

That might sound blunt, but it’s a critical question every author should ask themselves. Writing a book is an emotional and intellectual journey. Publishing it is a business decision. If you want others to believe in your work—whether readers or publishers—you must be the first to demonstrate that belief.

Hybrid Publishing Levels the Playing Field

The beauty of hybrid publishing is that it opens doors. It allows publishers like me to take chances on promising but unknown authors. It offers authors the benefit of professional publishing services and distribution without the limitations and rejection of the traditional model. And it gives both parties a fair and transparent way to work together toward the book’s success.

In the end, hybrid publishing isn’t about “vanity”—it’s about partnership. A good hybrid publisher doesn’t accept just any manuscript. We curate. We edit. We produce high-quality books. But we do it alongside authors who are just as committed to their book’s success as we are.

Bottom line: If you’re a new author wondering how to break into the market, take a serious look at hybrid publishing. It might just be the smartest way to share your story with the world.

If you want to see exactly how hybrid publication works, at least with MSI Press, check out San Juan Books, our hybrid division, at our website.

The Tuesday talks reflect real discussions between the management of MSI Press LLC and our own authors or those would-be authors who come through our doors but don't make the cut--yet. If you have a topic that you would like addressed, leave the question in the comment section. Chances are, in our 22 years of publishing first-time and experiences authors, we have had a conversation with one of our authors that we can share with you.

 See more Publisher Conversations with Authors HERE.

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Turned away by other publishers because you are a first-time author and/or do not have a strong platform yet? If you have a strong manuscript, San Juan Books, our hybrid publishing division, may be able to help.

Planning on self-publishing and don't know where to start? Our author au pair services will mentor you through the process.

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Julia Aziz, signing her book, Lessons of Labor, at an event at Book People in Austin, Texas.

 

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Steven Greenebaum, author of award-winning books, An Afternoon's Discussion and One Family: Indivisible, talking to a reader at Barnes & Noble in Gilroy, California.

 

   

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