Author and Publisher
D. M. Arney Books utilizes Amazon Print on Demand services and various electronic distribution systems to provide interesting and edgy reading material to our audience. Editorial services are available on a case by case basis. If you are interested in working with us, please send an introductory email or you can connect professionally with Dave via LinkedIn.
What is Hybrid Publishing?
Hybrid publishing is an attempt to join the benefits of traditional publishing (editing, cover design, brand name) while reducing the costs associated (large print runs, advances against returns, 18 month development cycles.) D. M. Arney Books in particular adopts the "zero inventory" model for publishing which focuses on digital and print on demand fulfillment via major distributors. The traditional model is still valid for some authors, but a growing number of authors are realizing that while they could publish entirely on their own, there are many aspects to the process that require a degree of skill to accomplish. A hybrid model allows for a partnership between author and publisher that is not mediated on the idea of a gate-keeper, but on the understanding that a well-produced book requires the creativity and expertise of a few highly skilled individuals. Thus the hybrid model walks the line between the free-for-all of self-publishing and the inflexible, forever out-of-date traditional publishing machine.
Is this a vanity press?
No. A vanity press, or more accurately an author services house makes money by charging authors for various services related to the publishing process and therefore has no real vested interest in the success and sales of the book. D. M. Arney Books does offer editorial and layout services to authors interested in self-publishing. However, authors selected to be published by D. M. Arney Books will not be charged for any services or production costs.
What's the bottom line?
You and D. M. Arney Books split the royalties as determined by your contract with us. All setup costs will be recouped through sales of your book, and any marketing expenses will be agreed upon and spelled out ahead of time. This is a strategic partnership between authors with great content, and D. M. Arney books which has expertise in producing high quality books both in digital and print formats. We make money only when you make money. D. M. Arney books is about launching authors who need the extra help to get what's already a great story ready for the success it deserves.
Why should I give up an advance?
First, if you have an agent and offers, then you probably should take one of them. But it's a bit of myth that every author has an advance and fat contract waiting for them. Most do not. And those who do find a publisher are trading half their possible royalties for a small advance and a three month-window to achieve enough sales to justify the cost to bookstores to keep them on the shelf. In truth, most traditionally published authors see no more than their advance, and most may not get a second shot if their first book flops. Very few authors are ever giving up an advance.
What you are giving up in either case is a share of your royalties. Under the traditional model, you'll be giving up about 50%-60% of what you could earn if you self-publsih. The idea is that you get editing, layout, cover design and marketing in trade. The truth; you do get some basic editing, and your book will be professionally typeset and printed, but you aren't getting the kind of relationship you used to have with an editor. And you may get an advance reader copy and one-sheet mailed off to the gate-keepers of traditional bookstores, but you aren't getting TV ads, print ads, or even online ads. The big marketing pushes are reserved for the top 5% of each house.
All publishing is trade for services. So our question to you is how much are your royalties worth? What aspects of the publishing model do you need professional assistance with? Whatever model you choose, Traditional, Hybrid or Self, you are making a set of business decisions trading costs for future gains. Make sure it's the best choice for you and your book.
What you are giving up in either case is a share of your royalties. Under the traditional model, you'll be giving up about 50%-60% of what you could earn if you self-publsih. The idea is that you get editing, layout, cover design and marketing in trade. The truth; you do get some basic editing, and your book will be professionally typeset and printed, but you aren't getting the kind of relationship you used to have with an editor. And you may get an advance reader copy and one-sheet mailed off to the gate-keepers of traditional bookstores, but you aren't getting TV ads, print ads, or even online ads. The big marketing pushes are reserved for the top 5% of each house.
All publishing is trade for services. So our question to you is how much are your royalties worth? What aspects of the publishing model do you need professional assistance with? Whatever model you choose, Traditional, Hybrid or Self, you are making a set of business decisions trading costs for future gains. Make sure it's the best choice for you and your book.
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