Self-Publishing Vs. Hybrid Models and Traditional Publishing

By Michelle Gamble-Risley, CEO, 3L Publishing (www.3LPublishing.com)

I get frequently asked if my company 3L Publishing is a self-publisher (we are a hybrid publisher), and what is the difference between 3L’s services and self-publishing and traditional publishing? The answer isn’t simple. I am going to give you a check sheet that shows what 3L Publishing provides as a hybrid publisher vs. the other models.

Caveat: Every publishing house is different. Other publishers may provide some of the services I’m not checking off. Please don’t take any missing checkmarks as misleading information. The information is general and not specific to any one publisher. I’ve been criticized in the past for not providing a complete picture. If I’ve missed anything, please feel free to share. My intention is only to help clarify the marketplace and answer questions not mislead or misdirect.

Also, you may read this and feel it’s slanted in favor of my company. Be advised: for new and emerging authors the hybrid model is the easiest way to publish your book with fewer headaches. Getting bookstore distribution for individual authors is nearly impossible unless your book has a consistent, long-term sales track record. When you chose a hybrid publisher you will automatically get distribution as part of your contract. Additionally, it’s a lot of work to publish a book and requires multiple skill sets that writers often do not possess. And I’m only the messenger. You are free to take this sheet and use it for comparative shopping.

Self-Publishing

Anyone can hire an editor or graphic artist and find a printer. All writers can self-publish if they wish to undertake such an endeavor with little or no experience. True self-publishing involves the writer acting as the “project manager” and hiring the required services. Note to would-be publishers/writers: you cannot skimp on hiring assistance from editors or artists. Even if you’re a professional editor by trade it will hurt you. Why? Because even the editor needs an editor; and no one wants to be embarrassed by errors.

This checklist precludes the writer who decides to truly do it on his or her own. Some self-publishing services do provide resources for writers.

ü  Editorial Services

ü  Graphic Art

ü  Potential Cover Art Templates

ü  Print-on-Demand (POD) Services (sometimes)*

ü  Pay for Service

ü  100% Royalties (you sell and fill orders yourself)

*Print-on-demand services such as Lulu or Lightspeed sometimes offer editorial and graphic services as part of different publishing programs you can purchase.

Hybrid Publishing

My company 3L Publishing (www.3LPublishing.com) falls into this category. A hybrid publisher crosses self-publishing and traditional publishing services to offer a robust alternative to other models.

ü  Full-Service Editorial (from ghost writing to proofreading)

ü  Full-Service Graphic Art

ü  Pre-Press Production

ü  Printer Options (large print quantities to POD)

ü  E-book Conversion Services

ü  Amazon Distribution and Order Fulfillment

ü  Bookstore Distribution and Order Fulfillment (via Baker and Taylor)

ü  E-Book Distribution to Kindle, Nook and iBook (Apple)

ü  Pay for Service

ü  Royalty Payment (35% to 100%)

Traditional publishing, which some consider the best route if you’ve got an established following and a demonstrable built-in market. New authors frequently hit barriers to this big industry due to lack of proven marketability and name recognition. Don’t be fooled though by people who suggest that services like 3L Publishing are not real publishers. Look at the way iTunes changed the record industry. Which would you rather have royalty-wise? Eight to 12 percent of 1,000 copies sold or 35 to 100 percent of 1,000 copies sold. When it takes considerable effort to sell 1,000 copies wouldn’t you prefer the profit stays with you and not a big corporation? Many big name authors now publish under their own labels just for this reason.

Here is what traditional publishing provides:

ü  Full-Service Editorial (from ghost writing to proofreading)

ü  Full-Service Graphic Art

ü  Pre-Press Production

ü  Print Books

ü  E-book Conversion Services

ü  Amazon Distribution and Order Fulfillment

ü  Bookstore Distribution and Order Fulfillment

ü  E-Book Distribution

ü  Pay for Service

ü  Royalty Payment (8% to 12%)*

*May vary slightly.

Book advances are almost unheard of these days unless you’re already a big name so don’t count on an advance.

For more information on 3L Publishing, please call 916-300-8012 or send an email to info@3LPublishing.com. You can log onto the website at www.3LPublishing.com.