From Someone Who Has Seen Too Many
Let’s talk about something that makes my blood boil: predatory publishing. This post is a must-read if you’re an author with a dream and a draft because there are wolves out there dressed as helpful hybrid publishers. I’ve seen too many authors fall victim to slick marketing and shady contracts.
I have touched on bad publishing deals before, but a recent encounter boiled my blood and I spilled the tea on YouTube, and maybe lost it a little over how authors can be taken for a ride by some of these companies.
What Even Is a Hybrid Publisher?
A hybrid publisher walks a fine line between traditional publishing and self-publishing. The idea is that the author pays for professional services to help them publish while keeping some control over their work. To a certain extent, I could be considered a hybrid publisher, but I balk at that idea. My purpose is to help an author keep all that control in their hands and teach them to publish the book themselves. I do offer to perform steps for the author, but that ONLY happens after a solid working relationship of trust is established and the author oversees my work.
There are some legit hybrid publishers out there who are doing excellent work. I’ve partnered with a few of them, but there are also companies masquerading as “hybrid” while functioning more like vanity presses—charging outrageous fees, locking down your rights, and double-dipping on royalties.
Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore
Here are just a few of the publishing sins I’ve witnessed recently:
- Charging $25K–$30K for basic services like eBook formatting and a 6×9 black-and-white paperback.
- Offering minimal options—no hardcover, no trim size variation, and forget about illustrated or image-heavy books.
- Claiming you’re self-published, but assigning their ISBNs, which gives them ownership of your book.
- Taking royalties and upfront fees. That’s called double-dipping and it’s a bad business practice.
- Providing contracts that strip away your rights and leave you powerless.
- Assigning bare minimum metadata strategies.
- Claiming to provide marketing help, but instead only giving the author lists. They don’t teach authors how to actually market their books and run an author business.
- Provide sub-par quality on the formatting, editing, and graphic/cover design.
- Disappearing after the book is published.
More than anything, these companies DO NOT EDUCATE authors on the business and leave them out to dry when things get confusing or difficult for the author.
If you’re considering signing with one of these companies, do this first: Take the contract to an attorney who understands copyright and IP.
If you can’t afford a $200 consult with a publishing attorney, it’s not time to publish yet. But you can still learn!
Don’t Just Take My Word For It
I’m not the only one sounding the alarm. Dave Chesson at Kindlepreneur recently published a deep-dive article on a predatory company now operating and actively advertising. This exposé connects the dots between new brand names and bad practices.
Want to cross-check other publishers? Visit ALLi’s Self-Publishing Service Ratings Directory or search on Writer Beware.
Know What You’re Paying For
Too many companies offer cookie-cutter packages that don’t account for your genre, your goals, or your needs. If your book is a chunky fantasy doorstopper or a niche guidebook that needs specialty formatting, a one-size-fits-all approach just isn’t going to cut it.
Genre matters. Trim size matters. Strategy matters.
Your book deserves better than a glorified template. And you deserve to know what you’re getting into.
Why Print to Pro & Edits by Stacey are Different
At Edits by Stacey and under the Print to Pro umbrella, we do things differently:
- You own 100% of your rights and royalties.
- We use the ISBNs you purchase under your name.
- Our team are professionals who are active in the publishing industry every single day.
- Our program is comprehensive: We take authors from raw manuscripts to a market-ready book, and beyond.
- We help you copyright your work and obtain your LCCN to ensure your book is officially registered and discoverable by libraries.
- We create front and back matter that screams professionalism, elevating your book to industry standards.
- We ensure wide and direct distribution to help your book reach readers globally, not just on Amazon.
- We guide you with marketing and business strategy to help you go beyond the book and build a lasting author brand. More than anything, I want authors to be educated about this process.
- And Much, Much More!
Need help deciding whether to self-publish, go hybrid, or pursue traditional publishing? Take my free course Paper Trail to learn the differences, plus get tools to help you decide what’s right for you.
Want to talk to someone? Schedule a free consultation and let’s explore your best options together.
Upcoming Webinar: Author to Authorpreneur
Ready to make the shift from writer to business-savvy author?
Don’t miss my FREE, live webinar: Author to Authorpreneur. This class pulls back the curtain on the business side of being an author and teaches you how to:
- Strategically position yourself in the market
- Learn what it takes to sustain an author career
- Ensure your book reaches and exceeds industry standards
- Build sustainable success as an indie author
Spots are limited, and trust me—you want in on this.
Final Word: Be Wary, Be Smart, Be In Control
Too many good stories never reach their readers because the author sometimes is disillusioned by a bad experience. Don’t let that be you. Know your options, know your rights, and build a team that puts you in the driver’s seat.
And if you come across a publisher you’re unsure about? Contact me. I’ll help you vet them—no strings attached.
Let’s protect your dream.
