FAQ
WHAT IS A HYBRID INDEPENDENT BOOK PUBLISHING COMPANY?
There are many different hybrid book publishers; we cannot speak for other hybrid publishing models, we can only speak for ourselves. We discuss our publishing practices and hybrid business model when we first connect with potential new authors. We are not a self-publisher or “vanity press,” where the author pays to have their book published and signs a restrictive contract which involves surrendering significant rights. Instead, we offer a collaborative process with our authors during the creative writing and book production stages, share costs and risks with the author, and actively market and sell each book. We also maintain collaborative marketing and PR strategies post-publication, meaning our authors still get ongoing support after their book is published.
Independent publishing, sometimes referred to as hybrid publishing, blends the best elements of the traditional and self-publishing worlds. At The Awakened Press, all authors maintain 100% copyrights to their written works. Additionally, we help all authors through each stage of the often-complicated book publishing process. We also automatically include ongoing marketing and promotions for each book we publish (that’s what real publishers are supposed to do).
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOUR HYBRID PUBLISHING PROCESS AND SELF-PUBLISHING?
Self-publishing can work well for authors who prefer to do absolutely everything by themselves. Self-publishing requires the author to wear many “hats”—they must be the writer, author, publisher, distributor, and marketer. They also have no support with creating a compelling cover or a print-ready interior layout that works in the market, or asking retailers to sell their book. Attempting to print and distribute copies to major retailers is a large hurdle and expense for self-published authors. While there are infinite resources available for self-publishers (both free and paid), it’s all up to the author to make it happen.
In comparison to self-publishing, our hybrid independent publishing model offers an easier method for bringing books to life. At The Awakened Press, we guide all authors through the often-daunting book publishing world and will be very honest about how the book needs to read, look, and feel to give it the best chance of success with retailers and readers…including what it takes to land on a Top 100 best-selling list or become a best-seller.
WHO IS THIS BEST FOR?
The Awakened Press hybrid independent publishing will work best for you if you meet one or more of the following criteria:
You have pitched to traditional publishers for at least 2-5 years without any success.
You are not interested in traditional publishing.
You do not want to hire a literary agent.
You do not want to fund and manage all aspects of book publishing by yourself or learn the business of book publishing, AKA be a self-published author.
You need or want tailored, 1x1 book development and editing help to finish your book.
You desire assistance with all the technical aspects of book publishing.
You want to expedite the book publishing process.
You want support for promoting your book through marketing and PR.
You are a busy entrepreneur or professional who wants to expand your existing network or business, and you believe your book will help you tell your story and better help others you serve.
Are there any fees incurred to send you my manuscript?
No, never! There is no fee involved for this; The Awakened Press has no reading fees. In fact, we recommend staying away from anyone who incurs reading fees. It does not cost you anything to apply to get your book published—so go ahead and fill out our book application form so we can take a look at your manuscript and see if it’s a good fit for us to work together!
In order to work together, you will need to send us your existing material as is, so we know what we would be working with. If we accept your application, we will request that you send your manuscript for a review.
What’s an “MNDA” and why would I want one?
MNDA stands for “Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement.” An MNDA is a common document that allows individuals and businesses to share their ideas, plans, and confidential projects freely and without fear that either party will wrongfully use or share the other person’s confidential or propriety information.
In other words, an MNDA is a written and signed agreement from both a team member from The Awakened Press and you as the individual before sending us your manuscript or sharing any of your book ideas. We operate on trust, transparency, and full disclosure. When all parties are operating on these same principles and are in integrity then you don’t really need this document, however, it is good professional practice to have it in place. If you decide that you would like to send over your manuscript for review and consideration, we all must sign this agreement before sharing your book idea.
Why do I need editing after my book is done?
Your final written manuscript goes through a series of stages before it becomes a published book. All books need to be edited before they are published. An edit can be small, medium, or large.
It is not the best decision to have your loved one “edit” your book unless your friend or family member is a professional editor by trade. When you hire an editor, you’re hiring someone to do what they do best—edit! Good editing is a job and they are paid for their expertise.
If you publish my book, do you get the royalties?
There are no upfront fees to get your book published with The Awakened Press. As of 2025, if your book is accepted for publication, our standard book royalty share is a 60-40% royalty split, with 60% of the royalties given to the author. Everyone gets paid once the book sells in stores, online, and globally.
But I’ve seen you charge for things, though.
We only charge for our writing courses, classes, or direct support in helping you finish your book. This applies if you haven’t yet completed your manuscript and need expert guidance to get it done. It’s the ideal option if you want to fast-track your writing process—especially if your book or book idea has been sitting unfinished for more than 6 months. Check out all of our current offerings here!
WHY DO YOU OFFER SUCH HIGH ROYALTIES? INDUSTRY STANDARD IS 10–12% FOR AUTHORS.
There are a lot of talented writers out there who often feel unexpressed because they aren’t published. Many creative individuals go unnoticed without publishing help—they often have no idea how to get started, or they try to do publishing haphazardly and can’t get themselves off the ground.
We want to give authors the best shot at entering the market and succeeding where they otherwise wouldn’t have access.
If we’re publishing my book, do I have to get my book published in print, too?
No. Getting print copies of your books is optional. Some authors decide to have their book done in e-book format first before publishing in print; that's a great recommendation when you're building your audience.
for how long do I receive royalties?
For as long as your book is published with us! In essence, this can be for your entire lifetime, as long as we exist, or as long as publishing continues to exist as it does today.
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY BOOK IF YOUR COMPANY NO LONGER EXISTS?
All authors retain and own all assets because they own 100% copyrights to their book at all times. We create and publish the book within a shared file database that is always open and sharable to the author. If anything happens to us, simply take your assets elsewhere.
How long does the PUBLISHING process take?
Every book is unique, so timelines vary. Visit our publishing application page to connect with us and discover how quickly we could bring your manuscript to publication.
If you want to finish your book faster and maximize its best-seller potential, apply to The Spirit Writes™ program today.
WHAT DO YOU OFFER FOR BOOK DISTRIBUTION?
We offer full, worldwide distribution through our proprietary Global Reach Program that offers access to about 50,000 retailers across Earth, including:
Online stores, such as Amazon
Independent bookstores
Libraries
Universities
Chain stores, including Chapters-Indigo Canada and Barnes&Noble
E-book retailers, including Apple Books, Kobo, Amazon Kindle
Do i have to sell my book worldwide?
Worldwide book distribution through our proprietary Global Reach Program is strongly recommended, but not mandatory. Some authors choose a small, local print option or an e-book only distribution option while building their audience.
can i produce an audiobook with you?
Yes! At this time we are slowly working to grandfather in our most consistently selling books into audiobook production. Book sales must reach a certain threshold before we will consider creating an audiobook.
what book formats do you publish?
Our standard is to provide one trade paperback edition and one e-book format edition for every book. Sometimes we publish in paperback format only or e-book format only. Some books are currently in process of becoming audiobooks. Other books are in hardcover format. Each book is entirely different with its own unique marketing strategy; therefore, the formats we choose to publish your book all depend on the book and its audience.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MANUSCRIPT AND A BOOK?
At The Awakened Press we like to differentiate between these two terms because there is an important distinction between them. A “manuscript” is the unpublished version of what would eventually become a book, while a “book” is published. For example, a manuscript is when a book is in its early stages of preparation. An edited or unedited manuscript is an early version or a draft, and not yet a book.
Do I need an ISBN?
ISBNs are unique and universal identifiers that are recognized internationally, which means when you have an ISBN, your book is archived worldwide and generationally, even years from now, beyond your lifetime, in databases we cannot even envision yet. Books without ISBNs don’t come up in searches easily, so don’t tend to do as well. Books published through The Awakened Press are always registered with official ISBNs.
Will my book become a best seller?
No one can truly guarantee that your book will become a best seller. Books become best sellers because of an effective plan combined with a (darn) good book! We have created multiple best selling books at The Awakened Press and provide equal opportunity to each author to be able to reach that milestone.
Do you help me create exposure for my book THROUGH MARKETING AND PR?
Yes. Book marketing and PR services are automatically embedded in each book we choose to publish. When we publish your book, we represent and support you. For example, if we choose to work together, we help you reach more readers by exposing your book on our website, social media, and email lists; we provide internal outreach to writing groups and/or literary networks, bookstores, podcasts, and traditional media such as newspapers.
Although we do provide all authors we represent with book exposure, PR, and marketing for as long as the book is published with us, the books that sell the most are when the authors co-market their book with us by utilizing our built-in support and strategies. In other words, the best opportunity for success is when authors execute their own marketing efforts in addition to ours.