FAQ
WHAT IS HYBRID PUBLISHING?
Hybrid publishers are just like traditional publishing companies in all respects, except that they publish books using an author-subsidized business model, as opposed to financing all costs themselves and, in exchange, return a higher-than-industry-standard share of sales proceeds to the author. A hybrid publisher makes income from a combination of publishing services and book sales.
WHY PAY FOR PUBLISHING?
Regardless of the publishing route you choose — be it traditional, hybrid, or self-publishing — every author will need to invest in their career in some way shape or form. Whether paying for writing classes or an MFA, creating an author website, or if self-publishing, bearing the cost of book production themselves, launching a career as an author requires a monetary investment of some kind. And while traditional publishing and self-publishing are the more well-known options for authors, hybrid publishing is becoming a popular option for authors because it combines the best elements of both.
At Sungrazer, we provide authors with expert guidance throughout the publishing process. Our industry knowledge and experience can help you make informed decisions about your book’s content, cover design, marketing strategy, and distribution channels. Getting your book accepted by us can also lend credibility and prestige to your work, and this validation can be particularly beneficial for authors who are building their writing careers or seeking recognition within their genre or industry.
While hybrid publishing does involve upfront costs, we mitigate that by allowing you to retain a higher percentage of royalties compared to traditional publishing. Authors under our hybrid publishing model earn 100% of net royalties until their investment is recouped in sales.
Ultimately, the decision to pay a hybrid publisher to publish your book depends on your individual goals, budget, and preferences. At Sungrazer we can offer you a valuable blend of professional services, distribution opportunities, and industry guidance that can give your book the best chance of success in the marketplace, especially if you’re a debut author.
HOW SOON CAN I RECOUP MY INVESTMENT?
Determining the exact amount an author will earn from book sales is difficult to predict. In reality, most traditionally published books sell a total of 2,000 to 3,000 copies over their lifetime, and since the profit margin on books is small, this makes it unlikely for authors to see any royalties under the traditional model.
Then how do traditional publishers make money? The secret lies in their constant stream of book launches. These publishers release hundreds of books each year, and if even one becomes a hit, it generates enough revenue to cover the costs spent on all of their other books. However, the majority of authors under the traditional model do not earn substantial profits from their book sales, if any.
On the flip side, hybrid publishers operate on leaner business models, utilizing small teams and online tools, allowing us to operate more efficiently, and since there are no advances tied to profits, this makes it more likely that an author under a hybrid model will see royalties from their books if that book were to sell those same 2,000 to 3,000 copies.
HOW WILL YOU HELP ME SELL MY BOOK?
Our mission at Sungrazer is to provide guidance to our authors regarding strategies they could employ to help them sell their own books and launch a successful writing career. We will use our contacts to pitch your book to journalists, bloggers, and influencers, aiming to get reviews, interviews, and features in newspapers, magazines, websites, podcasts, and TV/radio shows. We will also assist you with author websites, social media strategies, and content creation to engage readers and build a dedicated fan base.
With the rise of social media, online communities, and self-publishing platforms, authors have unprecedented access to potential readers, and by embracing marketing and promotional activities, authors can leverage these platforms to build their personal brand, engage with readers, and generate buzz around their books, leading to increased visibility and sales.
Being actively involved in book promotion not only increases your chances of success, but also equips authors with invaluable knowledge and experience that can benefit their future projects. By embracing the role of a book promoter, authors can effectively engage with readers, enhance their book’s visibility, and pave the way for a successful and fulfilling writing career.
WHAT IF I JUST WANT TO PUBLISH AN EBOOK?
If you are solely interested in publishing an eBook, we would strongly encourage you to publish it on your own. With convenient online platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited and Draft2Digital, self-publishing an eBook without a publisher is often easier and more cost-effective for authors, and you get to keep all the profits.