Avoid The Author Trap

Avoid the Author Trap | Too Good To Be True Publishing Deals

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You’ve written your manuscript. You’re excited, hopeful, maybe even contacted by a publisher. But before you sign anything, you must know how to avoid the Author Trap.

Every week, I hear from authors who fell for what seemed like dream opportunities. They paid thousands, got a PDF file, maybe saw their book listed on Amazon—but no bookstore presence, no marketing, and certainly no support. What looked like publishing… wasn’t.

This post is here to protect you.

Hybrid Publishing: Promise or Pitfall?

Hybrid publishing can be a brilliant path—more control than traditional, more support than self-publishing. But only if you’re working with the right partner. Many authors fall for vanity presses disguised as hybrids, seduced by sleek websites and hollow promises.

Here’s the core problem: some deals are just too good to be true. If it sounds like you’re getting it all without risk or investment from the publisher, you’re likely the product, not the client.

Publishing Models Explained for Nonfiction Authors

Let’s break down the major publishing paths:

Traditional Publishing

  • Who pays? The publisher
  • Who controls? The publisher
  • Distribution? Wide (bookstores, libraries, online)
  • Royalties? Low

Self-Publishing

  • Who pays? You do
  • Who controls? You do
  • Distribution? Amazon, Ingram, usually limited
  • Royalties? High per sale, but fewer sales

Hybrid Publishing

  • Who pays? You and the publisher (shared)
  • Who controls? Shared
  • Distribution? Depends on the hybrid publisher’s network
  • Royalties? Moderate
"It looked like publishing. It wasn’t."

Red Flags in Hybrid Deals

So how can you tell the difference between a real hybrid publisher and a predatory one?

Watch out for these red flags:

  • Vague package details, unclear services
  • Guaranteed bestsellers for a flat fee
  • “Distribution” that means only Amazon
  • Marketing packages that are just a sales link
  • Pushy sales tactics, urgency, or manipulation

That’s not publishing—it’s a trap.

How to Publish Without Losing Control

If you’re not ready for traditional publishing—but don’t want to go it alone—you need a true partner publisher. Ask questions like:

  • Do I retain my rights?
  • Do I own my ISBN?
  • Do I approve the final product?
  • Can I review and negotiate the contract?
  • Can I speak to past authors?

What Makes a Legitimate Hybrid Publisher?

Real hybrid publishers follow the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) guidelines. They:

  • Offer transparent pricing
  • Provide in-house professional services (editing, design, marketing)
  • Have a clear contract and service list
  • Include a timeline and examples of past work
  • Never force unnecessary upsells or inflated marketing fees

And most importantly: they can point to verifiable author success stories.

A Cautionary Tale

A client of mine, ready to publish her second book, nearly returned to her previous (traditional) publisher. She wanted more control this time, so she considered a hybrid option. But after researching the company she’d chosen, I spotted stock images, fake testimonials, and a lot of red flags.

We checked one of their “success stories”—turns out, they hadn’t even published that book. They were pushy and evasive. Classic scam behavior.

Avoid the Author Trap with Smart Questions

Before signing with any publisher, ask:

  • Are they transparent about pricing and services?
  • Do they offer real marketing or just an Amazon listing?
  • Can you speak to real authors they’ve worked with?
  • Do they follow the IBPA hybrid publisher criteria?

Request:

  • A written contract
  • A detailed list of services
  • A timeline
  • Real examples of previous books

Use the IBPA Hybrid Publisher Checklist to evaluate their legitimacy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re unsure, don’t go it alone. Drop a comment, book a call, or talk to someone you trust. The right publishing path should elevate your voice—not exploit your effort.

Keep writing. Keep sharing. We need your stories.

How These Insights Empower Your Author Journey

Implementing the ideas from this post will help nonfiction authors take control of their publishing path with confidence and clarity. By recognizing misleading offers and understanding how real hybrid publishing works, you protect your creative investment, retain your rights, and build a professional platform that actually supports your book’s success.

These strategies empower you to:

  • Avoid predatory contracts that drain your budget and momentum.
  • Align with publishers who act as true partners, not just service sellers.

  • Make informed, strategic decisions that advance your author goals.

Quick Actions That Can Help You Avoid The Author Trap

  1. Bookmark the IBPA Hybrid Publisher Criteria
     → Open it here and save it for future publisher vetting.

     

  2. List 3 Must-Have Publishing Priorities
     → Example: Creative control, wide distribution, fair royalties—define what matters most to you.

  3. Search for Author Testimonials on Publisher Sites
    → Take 5 minutes to verify at least one testimonial by checking if the author and book are legit via Amazon or LinkedIn.

Author Nation is your go-to resource for becoming a successful nonfiction author, from planning to promotion and everything in between. 
Disclaimer: This blog may contain affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, we will earn a small commission. Please understand that we have experience with these products, and we recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we make.

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