The hybrid road: Your path to publication

So – you’re ready to publish your book. It’s time to focus on the practical steps you as an author can take to move forward with your publishing dreams. Whether you’re considering Atmosphere Press or exploring other hybrid publishing options, understanding the process and knowing what to expect can help you make informed decisions about your writing career.

Submitting your manuscript for consideration

Most hybrid publishers, including Atmosphere Press, begin with a manuscript submission process. This typically involves sending either a complete manuscript or a sample, along with a query letter or proposal. At Atmosphere Press, this process is straightforward and author-friendly. When submitting to Atmosphere Press, authors can expect a response within two weeks!

Unlike traditional publishing, where rejections are the norm, hybrid publishers often have higher acceptance rates – but that doesn't mean they'll take just anything. It's worth noting that Atmosphere Press is selective in its acceptance process, a hallmark of reputable hybrid publishers, as it ensures they're investing their resources in quality work.

Don't be discouraged if your manuscript isn't accepted on the first try – use any feedback provided to refine your work and consider resubmitting once you've made improvements!

Understanding the financial investment

One of the key differences between hybrid and traditional publishing is the financial model. In hybrid publishing, authors are typically expected to invest in their book's production and marketing. This investment can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the publisher and the services offered.

While Atmosphere Press offers different publishing packages, it's crucial to understand what you're getting for your money. Some questions to ask any hybrid publisher include:

What specific services are included in each package?

Are there any hidden costs or additional fees?

How much creative control will I have over the final product?

What is the royalty structure?

Remember, investing in your book doesn't guarantee success. However, it does give you more control over the process and potentially higher returns if your book sells well.

A collaborative journey begins

If your manuscript is accepted, you'll embark on a collaborative journey, where the real work begins. While most hybrid publishers offer essential services like editing, design, and distribution, Atmosphere Press’s approach is truly author-centric, ensuring you retain creative control while benefiting from professional expertise at every stage.

Editorial meetings: From the outset, Atmosphere Press’s process is collaborative. You'll have one-on-one meetings with expert editors who will help refine your manuscript. These sessions are invaluable in improving the quality of your work and preparing it for publication.

Design: Atmosphere Press prides itself on award-winning design, both for book interiors and covers. You'll work with their art team to create a visually appealing product that stands out on bookshelves and in online marketplaces.

Production: With Atmosphere Press, your book will be professionally formatted and prepared for both print and digital distribution. This includes creating e-book versions compatible with various platforms.

Distribution: Atmosphere Press ensures your book is available through major retailers and distributors, maximising its reach to potential readers.

Promotion: A dedicated Atmosphere Press publicity team will work on promoting your book. This may include press releases, review copies, and other marketing initiatives.

Throughout this process, you'll have the support of a team of book professionals. Atmosphere Press boasts a staff of over forty individuals dedicated to helping authors succeed!

Choosing your publishing package

It’s relatively common for hybrid publishers to offer tiered services. Atmosphere Press, for one, offers three different publishing packages to suit various author needs and budgets:

• 1.    Essential Package: Covering essential services like editing, design, and distribution.
• 2.    Premium Package: Including additional marketing and promotional services.
• 3.    Flagship Package: Offering comprehensive support, including advanced marketing strategies, author website development, and book launch event planning.

When considering these packages, it's crucial to carefully evaluate what each offers and how it aligns with your goals and budget. Remember, in hybrid publishing, you're making an investment in your book's success!

Rights and royalties

One of the significant advantages of hybrid publishing is authors retaining their rights. Atmosphere Press guarantees 100% ownership rights, which means you have full control over your intellectual property and can make decisions about future editions, translations, or adaptations of your work.

Regarding royalties, hybrid publishers typically offer higher percentages than traditional publishers. It's common for hybrid publishers to offer 70-80% of net profits to authors. As stated in our transparent, author-friendly publishing contract, Atmosphere Press receives only 10% royalties on book sales – the rest goes to the author, as it should!

The author's journey

An encouraging aspect of Atmosphere Press's model is that many authors choose to publish multiple books with them. More than 100 authors have gone through the process with Atmosphere Press for two, three, four, or even more books! This speaks volumes about the positive experiences these authors have had and the ongoing support provided by our team.

This repeat business suggests that authors find value in the hybrid publishing model beyond just getting their first book out. It indicates that the skills, connections, and experiences gained through the process are beneficial for an author's long-term career.

Making your decision

As you consider whether hybrid publishing is right for you, here are some steps you can take:

• 1.    Take the Publishing Potential Quiz: Atmosphere Press offers a free quiz to help you assess your readiness for publishing. This can provide valuable insights into your project's potential!
• 2.    Read author testimonials: Atmosphere Press features numerous author testimonials on our site. These can give you a sense of others' experiences with the company.
• 3.    Explore the catalogue: Look through the books Atmosphere Press has published to get a feel for the quality and variety of our output.
• 4.    Ask questions: Don't hesitate to reach out to the Atmosphere Press team with any questions you have about the process, packages, or philosophy!

The road ahead

Embarking on a hybrid publishing journey is an exciting step in your writing career. It offers a middle ground between traditional and self-publishing, combining creative control with professional support. While it does require a financial investment on your part, it also provides the potential for higher returns and a more hands-on publishing experience.

Remember, publishing is not just about seeing your book in print – it's about giving your work the best possible chance to reach and impact readers. Hybrid publishing can be an excellent way to achieve this goal, providing you with the tools, expertise, and support needed to launch your book successfully!

Whether you choose to submit to Atmosphere Press or explore other hybrid publishing options, approach the process with a combination of enthusiasm and due diligence. Ask questions, do your research, and make sure you're comfortable with every step of the journey.

Your book represents countless hours of creativity, hard work, and passion. We know that! By choosing the right publishing path, you're taking a crucial step towards sharing your vision with the world. Whether this is your first book or your fifth, hybrid publishing offers an innovative and author-friendly way to bring your words to life and launch your publishing dreams into the atmosphere.