Trade publishing
The house funds the book and licenses rights. Strongest when the publisher brings selection, capital, editorial work, distribution and rights exploitation the author could not reproduce alone.
Full route guide →Four routes.
One clear comparison.
Business models are tools. Compare the allocation of cash, control, work, reach and downside before you pick one.
| Evidence question | Trade | Hybrid | Self-publishing | Service provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who funds production? | Publisher | Author + publisher | Author | Author |
| Who is the publisher? | Publishing house | Hybrid house | Author/imprint | Author/imprint |
| Selection expected? | Yes | Yes | No gatekeeper | No gatekeeper |
| Rights licensed? | Usually broad | Should be limited | Usually retained | Retained |
| Sales responsibility | Publisher-led | Publisher + author | Author-led | Author-led |
| Main risk | Loss of control / rights | Poor value / weak delivery | Capital + execution | Vendor quality / coordination |
Hybrid publishing
The author subsidises production; the company must still act as a selective publisher. Compare the written terms, services and outcomes before deciding.
Full route guide →Self-publishing
The author owns the publishing operation. Control and upside rise; so do the workload, capital requirements and responsibility for commercial decisions.
Full route guide →Service providers
The author buys discrete services while remaining publisher. Scope, ownership of files, quality controls and exit terms should be explicit.
Full route guide →