A word to the wise

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Quite recently, a client approached us asking about hybrid publishers, of which there seem to be an increasing number. These offer very attractive-looking services which, for a fee, will promote and distribute your book – some of the biggest headaches for authors. While legitimate hybrid publishers can be an option, there are some out there who wish only to take advantage. I’ve attached an article here https://thespinoff.co.nz/books/22-12-2025/disappointed-authors-dead-end-addresses-and-the-co-nz-book-publishing-website-with-no-nz-staff about one such company to be aware of.

In an effort to educate and advise, here are some warning signs that the hybrid publishers you’re looking into may be unscrupulous.

  1. High upfront fees with vague services. Legitimate hybrid publishers are transparent about costs and deliverables. Be wary of publishers demanding large payments ($5,000-$15,000+) without clear breakdowns of what you’re receiving.
  2. Rights retention issues. Reputable hybrid publishers allow authors to retain full rights to their work. Avoid any publisher that tries to claim rights to your intellectual property or makes it difficult to reclaim rights later.
  3. Poor quality standards. Some questionable publishers accept virtually any manuscript without editorial standards, focusing solely on collecting author fees rather than producing quality books.
  4. Misleading marketing claims. Watch for promises of bestseller status, guaranteed sales numbers, or unrealistic distribution claims. No legitimate publisher can guarantee sales success.
  5. Lack of selective acceptance. While hybrid publishers are generally more accessible than traditional publishers, completely non-selective publishers that accept everything are essentially vanity presses charging fees without providing real value.

In order to save yourself and your precious book from these nasty people:

Research them thoroughly. Check reviews, ask for author references, and verify the publisher’s track record.

Compare contracts. Have a publishing lawyer review any agreement before signing.

Verify distribution: Confirm actual bookstore placement and distribution channels.

Check transparency. Legitimate hybrids clearly explain their business model and fee structures upfront.

In the end, therefore, as wise people say, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is, so proceed with caution. Lel.