OUTPOST PRESS
An imprint following a hybrid publishing model
Traditional Publishing vs. Hybrid
Key Differences
Traditional publishing is the model used by most established publishing houses, including Wayfarer Books. A publisher reviews submissions, selects a small number of projects to acquire, and funds the full publishing process—editing, design, production, distribution, and marketing. The author does not pay to be published and earns royalties based on sales.
Hybrid publishing is a partnership model that combines the professional rigor of traditional publishing with a shared-investment structure. The press remains selective and handles design, production, and distribution to industry standards, while the author contributes to upfront costs and, in return, receives a higher share of sales proceeds. Contracts, scope of services, and financial terms are clearly defined and transparent.
Traditional Publishing
- Authors submit their manuscripts for consideration.
- If selected, the publisher fully funds production, distribution, and marketing.
- Authors receive a royalty (typically 7-9%) but relinquish most creative control and copyright.
Hybrid Publishing (Outpost Press Model)
- Authors submit their manuscripts for editorial review.
- If accepted, the author signs a contract with 25% royalties, a significantly higher share than traditional publishing.
- The author invests in production costs (editing, design, and distribution), sharing the financial responsibility with the publisher in the form of a one-time flat-rate payment; in our case, either the poetry or the nonfiction packages below.
- Outpost Press provides professional editorial, design, marketing, and distribution services to ensure high-quality publication.
Hybrid publishing follows the same professional standards as traditional publishing but offers authors greater royalty returns, creative input, and flexibility.
Poetry Track
All-inclusive, One-time Investment of $3800 (Sliding scale and interest-free installment plans available on a case-by-case basis.)
Nonfiction track
All-inclusive, One-time Investment of $3800 (Sliding scale and interest-free installment plans available on a case-by-case basis.)
All-inclusive Package Includes
• Professional custom cover design.
• [Poetry] Custom interior design for up to 140 standard pages (if your poetry manuscript is over 140 pages, you will need to work with an editor to cut it down).
• [Nonfiction] Custom interior design for up to 70,000 words (if your manuscript is over 70,000 words, you will need to work with an editor to cut it down).
• E-book file conversion and distribution through retailers including Kindle, Nook, Apple Books (iTunes), and others; print distribution is handled through our distribution partner, Ingram.
• Ongoing print management for the lifespan of your book.
• Management of title metadata for the lifespan of the book.
• Fulfillment of all short-run print orders (author or customer pays shipping).
• ISBN assignment.
• Wholesale availability of your title to 40,000+ trade retailers (independent bookstores, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and others) through our distribution partner, Ingram, at the terms retailers expect.
• Guidance on getting your books into bookstores, libraries, and other trade outlets.
• Feedback on social media placement and platform building.
faq
Q: How is hybrid publishing different from vanity publishing?
A: Unlike vanity presses, Outpost Press carefully curates its books, adheres to industry standards, and upholds high-quality editorial and design services. Submitting a manuscript for the hybrid track does not guarantee a contract; each proposal undergoes the same rigorous evaluation as traditional track submissions.
Q: What financial investment is required?
A: Authors pay a one-time hybrid track fee to offset production costs. In return, they receive higher royalties (25%), deeper wholesale discounts, and professional publishing services.
Q: Who owns the rights to my book?
A: You do! Outpost Press authors retain full copyright.