How do you choose?

For many writers, the dream of publishing a book is as big as the dream of writing one. But once the manuscript is finished, the big question looms: How should I publish?

The two most common options for serious authors are traditional publishing and hybrid publishing. Each offers distinct benefits, challenges, and financial implications. Understanding how they work can help you choose the path that best aligns with your goals.

How Traditional Publishing Works

In the traditional model, an author signs a contract with a publisher. The publisher pays the author an advance against royalties—a lump sum upfront, often ranging from a few thousand dollars for debut authors to six or seven figures for established names.

The publisher then invests in editing, design, printing, and distribution. The author does not pay for these services. Instead, the publisher assumes the financial risk.

Once the book goes on sale, the author earns royalties (typically 7–12% of list price for paperbacks, and 25% of net for ebooks). However, these royalties don’t start flowing until the advance is “earned out”—meaning the author’s royalties have equaled the advance already paid.

Example:

• Advance: $2,000

• Paperback list price: $20

• Royalty rate: 10% ($2 per copy)

• Copies needed to earn out: 1,000

In this scenario, the author would need to sell 1,000 copies just to break even with the publisher. If sales stop there, the author keeps the $2,000 advance and earns nothing more. Meanwhile, the publisher may make $3,000–$5,000 in profit after printing and distribution costs—assuming they keep expenses lean.

How Hybrid Publishing Works

Hybrid publishing is sometimes described as the “middle ground” between traditional publishing and self-publishing. In this model, the author pays an upfront fee to cover production (editing, design, ISBN setup, distribution). A typical investment might range from $3,000 to $10,000 depending on services.

In exchange, the author retains much more of the book’s revenue. After production, every sale funnels back primarily to the author—minus printing costs and retailer discounts.

Example with $5,000 investment:

• Paperback list price: $20

• Amazon sale: Author nets about $8.50 after discount and print cost

• Direct sale (speaking events, website, bulk orders): Author nets about $16

If the author sells that same 1,000 copies (500 Amazon, 500 direct), they gross $12,250. Subtract the $5,000 investment, and the author keeps $7,250 profit. If all 1,000 were sold directly, profit could reach $11,000.

How it works at Zolly House

At Zolly House Press, we are a unique combination of publisher and producer. Unlike most other hybrid publishers, we do not keep any of your rights or royalties. We engage with you as an editor/publisher to develop and produce your book vision to the highest quality version possible.

Our team of experienced, highly qualified editors and designers guide you and your manuscript through to a final version that not only you’ll be proud of, but will be positioned for success in the market. Every aspect of your book production from developmental editing to copy and line editing to proofing to marketing planning is completed to the same high quality as any traditional publishing house in the world. We just act as a “producer” for your book rather than purchasing a piece of your profit.

That said, we are selective. We don’t take just any of every book to market. You submit your manuscript or book proposal for our review and while we will accept the books we believe have the most potential for success in our model, we return thoughtful feedback to those we can’t take on.

If you’d like to learn more, reach out to us here >>>

Choosing the Right Path

So which model is right for you? The answer depends on your goals:

• If you want prestige and reach—Traditional publishing might be best. It gives you the credibility of a publisher’s imprint, access to bookstores, and the sense of being “chosen.” This is especially valuable if you want your book to support a career in academia, journalism, or literary fiction.

• If you want profit and control—Hybrid publishing often wins. For business owners, speakers, or thought leaders who can sell books directly to their audience, the return on investment can be significant. Hybrid books can be produced faster, used as marketing tools, and generate higher per-unit profits.

• If you want maximum DIY control with minimal cost—Self-publishing (outside the scope of this comparison) lets you keep 100% of profits after retailer cuts, but requires you to manage all production and marketing yourself.

The Bottom Line

• Traditional publishing pays the author small, slow, and safe. The publisher assumes the risk, but the author gives up most of the profits and control.

• Hybrid publishing rewards hustle. The author assumes the risk, but the upside is much greater—especially if you have a direct audience ready to buy.

In other words: traditional publishing is for authors who want to be chosen, while hybrid publishing is for authors who choose themselves.