I first met Jenn in person at a coffee shop in a town halfway between us. It was a meeting where we were both trying to shake off the shackles of COVID-19 confinement and do a bit of connecting in the real world with people in our industry. Neither of us was trying to sell the other any service or product. We just dished for over an hour about how we support authors.

Since then, I’ve referred many authors to Publish Your Purpose for two main reasons. First, her philosophy on publishing and authorship aligns with mine, so I trust her to take good care of any author I send her way. Second, her principles as a business owner and human align with mine, which means they’ll align with my clients’.

So, when I needed a hybrid punishing guru for this blog, Jenn was an obvious choice. The publishing world offers a spectrum of options for authors: traditional publishing, self-publishing, and the increasingly popular hybrid publishing. Each comes with its unique benefits and challenges, catering to different goals and author preferences. Jenn T. Grace, founder of the hybrid publishing company Publish Your Purpose, shares her insights into the hybrid publishing model and its role in empowering authors.

What Is Hybrid Publishing?

Jenn: Hybrid publishing is the middle ground between traditional publishing and self-publishing. Traditional publishers offer little to no creative control for the author, though they handle all upfront costs. On the other hand, self-publishing gives authors complete control but often without guidance, leaving them prone to mistakes or decisions that fail to meet industry standards. Hybrid publishing combines the best of both worlds. Authors maintain creative control while benefiting from the expertise of a professional team. However, hybrid publishing typically involves an upfront investment to cover production and marketing services, ensuring a high-quality product while preserving the author’s vision.

Who thrives in hybrid publishing?

Jenn: Hybrid publishing works best for authors who want control over their creative process but value professional guidance. Our ideal clients at Publish Your Purpose are nonfiction and memoir authors with a mission-driven approach to their work. These are people who see their book as more than just a product—they see it as a tool to inspire change or position themselves as thought leaders. For example, many of our authors use their books to amplify their impact, whether through keynote speaking, consulting, or hosting workshops. Hybrid publishing gives them the flexibility to create a high-quality book while retaining rights to their work and determining how it’s distributed and marketed.

What is the process at Publish Your Purpose?

Jenn: Our business model prioritizes author support and authenticity. The process starts with understanding our authors’ goals, both personal and professional. We ask each author to complete a detailed questionnaire so we can craft a tailored strategy for their success. Knowing how an author defines success—whether that’s selling 100,000 copies or hearing from one person whose life was changed by the book—guides everything we do.

We also ensure a perfect match between the author and their editor. For example, if someone is writing about religious trauma, we wouldn’t assign an editor who doesn’t understand or believe in that experience. Alignment in values is essential for a productive collaboration.

Once the editing process begins, we provide project management support and strategic planning to keep everything on track. Authors also receive a detailed roadmap for marketing their book, which helps them focus their efforts on the strategies that will yield the best results.

How long does your publishing process take?

The timeline for publishing varies depending on the author’s goals, the complexity of their manuscript, and the strategy we develop together. Our process includes multiple steps running in parallel, such as editing, project management, and strategic planning. While there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline, we ensure that each step is carefully aligned with the author’s overall objectives, whether it’s preparing for a specific event, aligning with a business launch, or meeting a personal milestone. Most of our authors have books in their hands, and in the hands of distributors within 6-8 months.

What are the benefits of the hybrid model?

Jenn: Hybrid publishing offers creative flexibility and professional support, a combination rarely found in traditional or self-publishing. Authors retain the rights to their work and earn higher royalties compared to traditional publishing.

Another advantage is the ability to implement long-term marketing strategies. Many of our authors use their books to open doors to new opportunities, such as speaking engagements, consulting, or even launching companion products like workbooks or online courses. The hybrid model allows them to shape their publishing experience around their larger career goals.

What are some potential challenges?

Jenn: One major challenge is managing expectations around book sales. Some authors come to us expecting to sell 100,000 copies without an existing platform or marketing strategy. While ambitious goals are great, they need to be realistic and supported by a solid plan.

Authors also need to be cautious about predatory vanity presses. When you have author dreams, it’s almost as if you have a target on your back, and people will seek to scam you out of your money. These companies often disguise themselves as hybrid presses but fail to meet industry standards. Always get a publishing service’s track record and ask detailed questions about their process before committing. A reputable hybrid publisher will have clear expectations in their contracts, will be open to feedback, and will help you feel both supported and free during the process.

How do authors achieve a return on investment (ROI) with hybrid publishing?

Jenn: The book itself isn’t the only source of ROI. Speaking engagements, consulting gigs, and workshops are some of the most common ways our authors see financial returns. For example, a book can elevate an author’s credibility, allowing them to double their speaking fees or land new clients. We also focus on helping authors understand their audience and select the right platforms for marketing. Sometimes that means social media, but it can also mean visiting local bookstores, speaking at libraries, and other local efforts. For a business book, LinkedIn might be the most effective platform, while Instagram could work better for a lifestyle brand. The goal is to maximize the author’s existing strengths and align their marketing efforts with their audience.

Do hybrid publishers handle marketing?

Jenn: Handle? No. Assist? Yes. No matter which publisher you choose, you will be the primary person responsible for marketing your book. This makes sense because it’s your ideas, your expertise, and your purpose driving the book. That said, at Publish Your Purpose we believe that an effective book marketing plan requires collaboration. We are with you through cover design, formatting, and every print run. We also hold several strategy calls with our authors where we guide them through the marketing process. One of our resources for authors is a marketing plan document that has all the resources an author needs to get their book in readers’ hands.

How is hybrid publishing shaping the future of the publishing industry?

Jenn: When self-publishing entered the scene it was labor intensive and required authors to learn entirely new skill sets that take them out of their area of genius. Traditional publishing distributes the labor, but the gatekeeping means many purpose-driven authors weren’t able to enter the field. Hybrid publishing is breaking down the traditional barriers in the publishing world, while supporting authors through the process. It allows authors to maintain creative control while producing high-quality work that meets industry standards. As more authors seek flexible and empowering publishing options, hybrid publishing is a growing alternative to traditional and self-publishing.

What is your number one piece of advice for authors?

Jenn: Before you start this process, make sure you know exactly why you’re writing this book, how it fits into your larger purpose or mission, and what impact you want to have. Knowing your why is the only way to get through the slog of the fifth round of edits and the nitty gritty of interior layout. An author’s mission drives every decision, from the book’s design to its marketing. A clear sense of purpose helps authors stay motivated and produce a book that creates a meaningful impact.

Hybrid Publishing – The Best of Both Worlds

Hybrid publishing offers a unique pathway for authors who value creative control and professional support. As Jenn T. Grace emphasizes, the key to success in hybrid publishing is aligning your book with your broader mission and goals. For authors looking to amplify their impact and maintain ownership of their work, hybrid publishing might be the perfect fit. Whether you’re a first-time author or an experienced writer exploring new publishing options, understanding the nuances of the hybrid model can help you make the best decision for your publishing journey. Click here to learn more about Publish Your Purpose.