A hybrid publisher works with an author, with the author taking on some or all of the costs of publication. Sassafras takes effort to do this in a way that is transparent and benefits both writer and publisher. To that end, we follow the guidelines for hybrid publishers promoted by the Independent Book Publisher’s Association. You can see their full write-up here: IBPA on Hybrid Publishing. The main points are:
- Define a mission and vision for its publishing program
- Vet submissions
- Commit to truth and transparency in business practices.
- Provide a negotiable, easy-to-understand contract for each book published.
- Publish under its own imprint(s) and ISBNs
- Publish to industry standards
- Ensure editorial, design, and production quality
- Pursue and manage a range of publishing rights
- Provide distribution services.
- Demonstrate respectable sales
- Pay authors a higher-than-standard royalty.