Hybrid publishing is a relatively new term in the industry, and it can be very confusing because most publishing insiders have different definitions of what a hybrid publisher actually is.
A hybrid publisher could be:
- A small press publisher that pays royalties and doesn’t charge any author fees. They often don’t pay advances.
- A publishing services provider (also called a subsidy publisher or vanity publisher) that charges fees to do editing, layout, and book production for authors.
- A traditional publisher that also sells publishing services on the side.
- Or some combination of all of these.
Because hybrid publishing is such a vague and confusing concept, you should do extra research to make sure you pick the right publisher before deciding to sign a contract with a hybrid publisher.
Note: We have not done business with all of these publishers, so you should do your research, understand what a publishing scam looks like, and get some good advice from an experienced professional.
List of Hybrid Publishers
Here’s our list of hybrid publishers that are currently accepting submissions from unagented and/or agented authors.
1. TCK Publishing
Website: www.tckpublishing.com
Submission Guidelines: www.tckpublishing.com/submission-guidelines
Unlike most hybrid publishers, TCK Publishing never charges their authors any fees. They pay 50% gross royalties, and they cover all the costs of editing, design, layout, production, printing, and publishing. They also invest heavily in providing coaching, mentoring, and marketing for their authors.
You can learn more on their FAQ page.
2. 3rd Coast Books
Website: www.3rdcoastbooks.com
Submission Guidelines: www.3rdcoastbooks.com/submissions
3. Abuzz Press
Website: www.abuzzpress.com
Submission Guidelines: www.abuzzpress.com/submissions
4. Book Press Publishing
Website: www.bookpresspublishing.com
Submission Guidelines: www.bookpresspublishing.com/submissions
5. Boutique Quality Books (BQB)
Website: www.bqbpublishing.com
Submission Guidelines: www.bqbpublishing.com/submissions
6. Boyle & Dalton
Website: www.boyleanddalton.com
Submission Guidelines: www.boyleanddalton.com/submissions
7. Busybird Publishing
Website: www.busybird.com.au
Submission Guidelines: https://www.busybird.com.au/submit-to-untitled/
8. Build Buzz Launch
Website: www.buildbuzzlaunch.com
Submission Guidelines: www.buildbuzzlaunch.com/submissions
9. Cardinal Rule Press
Website: www.cardinalrulepress.com
Submission Guidelines: www.cardinalrulepress.com/submissions
10. Certa Publishing
Website: www.certapublishing.com
Submission Guidelines: www.certapublishing.com/submissions
11. Christopher Matthews Publishing
Website: www.christophermatthewspub.com
Submission Guidelines: www.christophermatthewspub.com/submissions
12. Deep River Books
Website: www.deepriverbooks.com
Submission Guidelines: www.deepriverbooks.com/submissions
13. EA Books
Website: www.eabookspublishing.com
Submission Guidelines: www.deepriverbooks.com/submissions
14. E.L. MARKER
Website: www.widopublishing.com
Submission Guidelines: www.widopublishing.com/submissions
15. Entangled Publishing
Website: www.entangledpublishing.com
Submission Guidelines: www.entangledpublishing.com/submissions
16. Evolve Publishing
Website: www.evolvepublishing.com
Submission Guidelines: www.evolvepublishing.com/submissions
17. First Edition Design Publishing
Website: www.firsteditiondesignpublishing.com
Submission Guidelines: www.firsteditiondesignpublishing.com/submissions
18. Fruitbearer LLC
Website: www.fruitbearer.com
Submission Guidelines: www.fruitbearer.com/submissions
19. Glass Spider Publishing
Website: www.glassspiderpublishing.com
Submission Guidelines: www.glassspiderpublishing.com/submissions
20. Greenleaf Book Group
Website: www.greenleafbookgroup.com
Submission Guidelines: www.greenleafbookgroup.com/submissions
21. Iguana Books
Website: www.iguanabooks.ca
Submission Guidelines: www.iguanabooks.ca/submissions
22. Inkshares
Website: www.inkshares.com
Submission Guidelines: inkshares.com/submissions
23. LifeTree Media
Website: www.lifetreemedia.com
Submission Guidelines: www.lifetreemedia.com/submissions
24. Little Creek Press
Website: www.littlecreekpress.com
Submission Guidelines: www.littlecreekpress.com/submissions
25. Mascot Books
Website: www.mascotbooks.com
Submission Guidelines: www.mascotbooks.com/submissions
26. Resilient Publishing
Website: www.resilientpublishing.com
Submission Guidelines: www.resilientpublishing.com/submissions
27. Science Thrillers Media
Website: www.sciencethrillersmedia.com
Submission Guidelines: www.sciencethrillersmedia.com/submissions
28. She Writes Press
Website: www.shewritespress.com
Submission Guidelines: www.shewritespress.com/submissionss
29. Something Or Other Publishing
Website: www.soopllc.com
Submission Guidelines: www.soopllc.com/submissions
30. Summerland Publishing
Website: www.summerlandpublishing.com
Submission Guidelines: www.summerlandpublishing.com/submissions
31. Sunacumen Press Inc
Website: www.sunacumenpress.com
Submission Guidelines: www.sunacumenpress.com/submissions
32. Unbound
Website: www.unbound.com
Submission Guidelines: www.unbound.com/submissions
33. Warren Publishing
Website: www.warrenpublishing.net
Submission Guidelines: www.warrenpublishing.net/submissions
34. Union Square Publishing
Website: www.unionsquarepublishing.com
Submission Guidelines: www.unionsquarepublishing.com/submissions
35. Hugo House Publishers
Website: www.hugohousepublishers.com
Submission Guidelines: www.hugohousepublishers.com/submissions
36. Morgan James Publishing
Website: www.morgan-james-publishing.com
Submission Guidelines: www.morgan-james-publishing.com/submissions
37. Koehler Books Publishing
Website: www.koehlerbooks.com
Submission Guidelines: www.koehlerbooks.com/submissions
38. Epigraph Publishing
Website: www.epigraphps.com
Submission Guidelines: www.epigraphps.com/submissions
39. Stratton Press
Website: www.stratton-press.com
Submission Guidelines: www.stratton-press.com/submissions
40. Molding Messengers
Website: www.moldingmessengers.com
Submission Guidelines: www.moldingmessengers.com/submit-your-manuscript/
41. Lost Island Press
Website: www.lostislandpress.com
Submission Guidelines: www.lostislandpress.com/publishing
42. Wordeee
Website: www.wordeee.com
Submission Guidelines: www.wordeee.com/published/author/
43. Bold Story Press
Website: www.boldstorypress.com
Submission Guidelines: www.boldstorypress.com/submissions
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- List of Historical Fiction Publishers
- List of Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishers
Tom Corson-Knowles is the founder of TCK Publishing, and the bestselling author of 27 books including Secrets of the Six-Figure author. He is also the host of the Publishing Profits Podcast show where we interview successful authors and publishing industry experts to share their tips for creating a successful writing career.
Christian Faith Publishing Company is not listed as a hybrid publisher. Does anyone have experience working with them?
Have you heard anything regarding Indigo River Publishing? They were founded in 2012 and describe themselves as a hybrid cooperative publisher. I’ve had an offer, but I want to know what others’ experiences have been.
Do you know of the new hybrid publishing company that Writer’s Digest suggested recently? I saw it online but can’t find it now.
Thanks
Brenda
Hi, this is a really informative list and QA. Have you ever heard of Defiance Press and Publishing out of Texas?
Can anybody here point out any publishers on this list that do NOT expect authors to pay a publishing fee up front?
It sounds as though you’re looking for a traditional publisher, not a hybrid press. With hybrid presses, the author financially invests in her own book projects in exchange for higher royalties than she would receive through traditional publishing. Occasionally, a hybrid press will offer a more traditional model for select titles, but that’s not typical.
The Wild Rose Press is a true hybrid press. I know two people who were happy with the finished product. They do limited distribution (Including Amazon and B&N), but you have to do a lot of marketing/publicity.
Is Warren Publishing reputable?
Briefly looking at reviews and discussions, they seem legitimate. You should always do your due diligence though.
I’m looking at Warren myself. It does seem legitimate, but I’d like to hear your experience with them if you worked with them by chance.
How do you feel about Molding Messengers ?
Hi Kristin, thanks for your comment! They look like a legitimate hybrid/vanity publisher. Just keep in mind that means you’ll be paying them to publish your book, so make sure you do your research and understand exactly what they’ll be committing to do for you. It looks like they have decent reviews.
Hi Kaelyn, I see you are providing a lot of thoughtful replies here. Can you clarify who you are? Are you connected to TCK?
What are your thoughts on Fulton Publishing?
Is there any information on Fulton publishing as being legitimate?
I received a response from the Fulton agent. I reviewed a response and it was different!
[email protected] Any comments on Newman Springs and Page Publishing.
Hi Frank, it looks both are legitimate vanity publishers, which means you’ll pay to have your book published. If that’s ok with you, then they could be a good fit. Just make sure you understand exactly what you’ll be paying for and what you’ll get in return. Newman Springs seems to have decent customer reviews, but I do see some customer complaints on the BBB for Page Publishing
Is Pegasus Publishing reputable?
Hi Sally, it looks like they are a legitimate vanity publisher, which means you’ll pay to have your book published. If that’s ok with you, then they could be a good fit. Just make sure you understand exactly what you’ll be paying for and what you’ll get in return.
Thank you, Kaelyn…..
I am feeling uncomfortable so I forwarded the contract they sent me to a lawyer friend to review. I am more comfortable with a traditional contract where I get an advance plus royalties. I had no idea how nervous this process would make me! Probably I should stick with a company based in the USA, too, rather than in the UK.
I think you did the right thing sending it to your lawyer friend :) If you tell me the genre of your book, I can send you a list of traditional publishers that don’t charge fees. Not all offer advances, but some offer pretty good royalties (we don’t offer advances but split royalties 50/50. You can find our submissions info here. :) Please let me know if I can help you with any other info!
hello Kaelyn – Would you consider adding Dudley Court Press to your list? We have several publishing programs available to authors of uplifting fiction and non-fiction in genres such as alternative health and wellness, spirituality, business, travel, and general non-fiction. Thanks.
Hi Gail, thanks for the suggestion! I’ll check out your site and update the post :)
I looked at all the websites you have listed in this post. Thanks very much.
However, the information they provide is variable and in some cases seriously incomplete
I found it difficult to separate the hybrid presses that vet manuscripts from the pay up front publishers with no vetting
Some never mentioned prices. Just submit please.
Some were not clear on what was included in the package
Some just seemed to want to sell their current books
I appreciate the opportunity to see a list of what you call “hybrid” even if the information is variable.
Hi Pamela, thanks for the feedback! I agree, hybrid publishers can vary significantly. I’ll work on updating this post and maybe dividing them into those that charge or are considered more “vanity,” vs. those that operate a bit more traditionally.
Love this! I work at Bold Story Press, a woman-run hybrid publisher, and would love if you could add up to the list!
our website is boldstorypress.com!
Thanks for sharing, Ava! I’ve added Bold Story Press to the list :)
Hello! Do you have any insight on Olympia Publishers in London UK? I just received a hybrid offer from them and am trying to find out more info. before I sign…thanks!!
Hi Emma, I looked them up and seems like they have good reviews. I would recommend trying to track down a few past clients and asking them about their experiences. The most important thing is that you review your contract very carefully and understand exactly what you’ll be paying for and what they are obligated to do for you.
Definitely one to be avoided, I’m afraid.
What I should have said is do the following: read the ”Look inside” offering of a sample of their publications on Amazon and decide if you think they are of publishable standard. Yours N
Nicholas – – what specific experiences have you had with Olympia Publishers that have influenced your opinion? I have just received an offer from them, and the contract seems clean and straightforward, but as one has to be these days, I am skeptical of everything.
To clarify what I meant in my last reply, I suggest the following, which is something you should do with any of these companies: click on to the ”Look inside” section of one of their publications on Amazon and decide whether the book is of publishable standard. Regards, N
Thanks for that tip, Nicholas, that’s also a very good idea.
I’ve received a response on my e-mail to Wordeee.
There are multiple punctuation errors and typos throughout the mail.
I wonder, how trustworthy is Wordeee?
Hey Jordy! I’m not really familiar with it enough to form a solid opinion. My best advice is to always double-check the information they provide and be careful with what you give them.
Hi Kaelyn
Is your listing based on ranking? I am looking for a good hybrid publisher for a novella and a collection of short stories but am unable to decide as there is paucity of reliable info about publishers on the internet. Can you kindly help?
Many thanks
Khalid
Hi Khalid, the list is not based on ranking, so they’re in no particular order. I’d say that the most important thing when looking for hybrid publishers is to do your research, look for reviews, and make sure you understand what you’ll be paying for and what you’ll actually get before signing any contracts.
You should check out wordeee.com
Hi Marva, thanks for the tip, we’ll check them out! :)
Hi TCK,
Thank you for creating this list! It’s been a great resource for me as both an author and publisher.
I run a hybrid publishing house called Lost Island Press and would greatly appreciate if you could add us to the list :)
http://lostislandpress.com/
Hi Mel, thanks for sharing! We’re working on updating this post, so we’ll check out your company and add it to the list :)
Any thoughts o0n Brown Books out of Dallas, Texas?
Hi Kenneth, I just looked through their website, and they seem legitimate. Looks like they don’t charge for services and give authors 70% of royalties. The important thing is to do your research and really understand what they’ll help you with before and after your book is published (for example, will you be doing most of the marketing yourself once it’s published?). Ask all those questions beforehand and review the contract thoroughly so you know what you’re signing up for
Hi Kaelyn,
Thanks for including Blue Sun on your list. Unfortunately we have dissolved the business and are no longer taking submissions. Best of luck to all the new authors, and remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do your research!
Deb Dorchak
Former Co-Owner Blue Sun Studio
Thanks Deb, I’ve updated the list!
Why is Austin Macauley not on this list. They’re a hybrid publisher.
Hi Bry, thanks for the suggestion, I’ll look them up and add them to the list.
Check them out very carefully!
I was doing my own research on Rushmore Press. Why are they not on here. I’m trying to verify the legitimacy of the agency before I commit
Hi Carla, it looks like they are primarily a literary agency, and while they also do publishing, I see they have several complaints against them filed with the BBB. Also I just quickly checked out their website and saw some pretty major typos just on their About page, which isn’t a great sign. You should definitely keep researching if you’re thinking about proceeding.
Hi Carla!
You may want to check on Stratton Press. They receive an A rating from BBB. You also get 60% royalty on paperback and 50% on ebook. They have several packages that can easily fit to your needs.
I know I’m chiming in really late but I really like this page. Great job! I’m a new artist and waiting on traditional agents and publishers is
weighing me down.
I’m glad you found the post helpful! :)
Hi TCK,
Thank you for providing great resources to both authors and publishers.
I run an independent press and would like to be added to this list.
Prensa Press
http://www.prensa.press
Hi Paul, thanks for sharing, I’ll check it out and add you to the list! :)
Hello, we are a hybrid publishing firm and would like to be added to the list.
Hi, thanks for your comment. I’ve added your site to the list!
Hi Kaelyn, is Rushmore Press is legit publisher?
Hey Tatiana, echoing what Kaelyn said in a comment above, Rushmore Press has some mixed reviews. You should definitely do some more research if you go with them.