What is Self-Publishing?

Self-publishing means you, as the author, retain complete control over your book's publication process. You handle everything from editing and design to marketing and distribution, either by doing it yourself or hiring freelance professionals. All we do in this instance is help print your books (and maybe provide an ISBN  where needed).

You keep all rights to your work and receive all profits after expenses, but you also bear all the financial risk and responsibility.

​

Key characteristics:

• You maintain 100% creative control

• You keep all royalties (minus platform fees)

• You're responsible for all costs upfront

• You handle or arrange all aspects of production

• You retain all rights to your work

​

*We may wish to work on your behalf in selling the translated rights to your book to other markets, but this won't cost you anything and you will received a % of proceeds from any translation deals.

​

What is Hybrid Publishing?

Hybrid publishing combines elements of traditional and self-publishing. A hybrid publisher provides professional publishing services (editing, design, marketing, distribution) in exchange for a fee from the author, plus they typically share in the book's profits - our package is unique whereby we share profits on the books we trade and you keep 100% profit on the books you sell.
Unlike vanity presses, reputable hybrid publishers are selective about the manuscripts they accept and provide genuine publishing expertise.

​

Key characteristics:

• Shared input between author and publisher

• Professional publishing services included

• Selective manuscript acceptance

• Shared profits/royalties

• Publisher handles distribution and some marketing

• Author and publisher split the rights (including translation, dramatisation and merchandising)

​

How Do I Decide Which Option is Right for Me?

​

Choose Self-Publishing if you:

• Want complete creative control

• Have the time to learn publishing processes

• Prefer to keep all profits

• Have a limited budget for upfront costs

• Enjoy hands-on project management

• Have existing marketing skills or platform

​

Choose Hybrid Publishing if you:

• Want professional guidance and services

• Prefer to focus on writing rather than publishing logistics

• Have budget for professional services

• Value the credibility of working with a publisher

• Want access to wider distribution networks

• Lack time for the full publishing process

​

What About Costs? What Should I Expect to Pay?

 

Self-Publishing Costs:

• Professional editing: £500-£4,000 (depending on book format/length. We normally work with picture books which are at this lower end of costs)

• Cover design: £250-£1,000 (if creating a book with no internal illustrations)

• Interior formatting: £150-£650 

• Illustration (if creating picture books): £2,000-£5,000

• ISBN and registration: £100-£250

• Marketing materials: £400-£1,600

• Total typical range: £1,700-£8,000

 

Hybrid Publishing Costs:

• Package fees: £2,500-£20,000 (varies widely but we will provide a quote for you)

• Services typically included: editing, design, formatting, distribution

• Revenue sharing/ Profits shared with publisher

• Important: Research carefully as quality and value vary significantly

Note: Get detailed quotes and compare what's included in each option before making your decision.

​

How Long Does Each Process Take?

​

Self-Publishing Timeline:

• Manuscript to published book: 3-6 months

• You control the pace entirely

• Can rush or take time as needed

• Faster time to market possible

​

Hybrid Publishing Timeline:

• Manuscript acceptance to publication: 6-18 months

• Timeline depends on publisher's schedule

• Professional processes may take longer

• Less control over timing

Both timelines assume your manuscript is complete and polished.

​

What About Distribution and Marketing?

 

Self-Publishing:

• You arrange direct sales through social/web/events and distribution through platforms like Amazon, Gardners, and IngramSpark

• Marketing is entirely your responsibility

• You keep all marketing profits

• Success depends heavily on your efforts and platform

​

Hybrid Publishing:

• Publisher handles distribution, often with wider reach

• Shared marketing responsibility

• Publisher's existing relationships will help, but everyone is at mercy to trading conditions

• Professional marketing materials included

​

What Rights Do I Keep?

Self-Publishing:

• You retain 100% of all rights

• Complete control over future editions, translations, adaptations

• Can change direction at any time

​

Hybrid Publishing:

• Most reputable hybrid publishers let you keep most rights

• Some may retain rights to the edition they publish

• Always review contracts carefully

​

Red Flags to Watch For

In Hybrid Publishing:

• Promises of bestseller status or guaranteed sales

• No selectivity in manuscript acceptance

• Unclear about what services are included

• Poor communication or transparency about costs

​

In Self-Publishing:

• Service providers who promise unrealistic results

• Upfront payment for marketing with guaranteed outcomes

• Companies that push expensive packages without explaining alternatives

​

​

What Additional Information Should I Research?

 

Before Choosing Any Option:

• Detailed cost breakdowns - Get specific quotes for all services

• Timeline expectations - Understand realistic schedules

• Contract terms - Have legal review if investing significantly

• Publisher reputation - Check references, reviews, and track record

• Your target audience - Understanding your readers affects strategy

• Your marketing platform - Assess your current reach and skills

• Long-term goals - Consider where you want your writing career to go

 

Questions to Ask Potential Partners:

• What exactly is included in quoted prices?

• What are the revenue sharing terms?

• How do you handle distribution and returns?

• What marketing support is provided vs. expected from me?

• Can I see examples of similar books you've published?

• What happens if I'm not satisfied with the services?

​

Getting Started

​

Whichever path you choose, start by:

1. Ensuring your manuscript is as polished as possible

2. Researching your target audience and genre market

3. Getting multiple quotes and comparing services

4. Speaking with other authors who've used similar services

5. Understanding the total investment required (time and money)

Remember, there's no universally "right" choice - only what's right for your specific situation, goals, and resources.