When Hiring a Hybrid Publisher to Publish Your Book – Speak to Their Authors and Verify Their Reviews
Choosing the Right Publisher Is a Big Deal
Publishing your book isn’t just another to-do on your bucket list—it’s a calling, a legacy move, a declaration of your life’s work or story. Whether you’re publishing your first book or your fifth, choosing the right hybrid publisher is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make as an author.
And yet, in an industry filled with flashy websites and vague promises, how do you know who you can trust?
Here’s a simple rule of thumb:
Before hiring a hybrid publisher, speak to their authors and verify their reviews.
Why Talk to Their Authors?
At Beyond Publishing, we often say: “Happy authors publish again.”
And it’s not just a slogan—it’s the data. The average author at Beyond Publishing publishes four books with us. That means a lot of authors are coming back to publish six, eight, even ten or more. They’re not just satisfied with their first book—they trust us to help grow their brand and business through multiple titles.
Why?
✅ Because we do what we say.
✅ Because we treat every book launch like a partnership.
✅ Because we care about the long-term success of the author—not just making a quick sale.
When you’re interviewing a publisher, ask to speak to two or three of their current or past authors. If they hesitate or make excuses, consider that a red flag.
Real Reviews vs. “Fluff”
In today’s world, it’s easy to fabricate social proof—generic five-star reviews, vague video testimonials, or cherry-picked blurbs with no names or faces. But real reviews come with:
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Full author names
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Book titles you can look up
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Specific details about the publishing process
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Verified photos or video testimonials
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Willingness to be contacted directly
Beyond Publishing has over 845 published titles from authors in 67 nations—and many of them are happy to share their experience with new authors who are considering working with us.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
Here are a few critical questions every author should ask before signing with any hybrid publisher:
🕰️ How long has this publisher been around?
Longevity matters. Beyond Publishing has been helping authors publish and launch books for nearly a decade, with roots that go back even further in media and marketing.
📚 How many authors and books have they published?
Experience isn’t just about time—it’s about output. If a publisher has only launched a few dozen books, you may not get the benefit of proven systems and global connections. Beyond Publishing has published 845+ books across all genres.
🌎 Will they put my book into global distribution—or just on Amazon?
This is huge. Some publishers will claim “distribution” but only place your book on Amazon. At Beyond Publishing, we ensure global distribution, which includes:
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Online bookstores (Amazon, B&N, Bookshop.org)
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Independent bookstores
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Major brick-and-mortar retailers
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Library networks
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International markets (Asia, Europe, the Middle East)
Your book deserves more than a lonely Amazon link.
🎟️ Will they represent my book at global book shows?
Trade shows like London Book Fair, Frankfurt Book Fair, and Book Expo America are critical for global exposure. Beyond Publishing represents our authors at major international book events—so agents, distributors, and foreign rights buyers see your book.
If your publisher has no presence at these shows, they’re not invested in your long-term visibility.
The Risk of Not Verifying
Far too many authors have come to us after a bad experience with another publisher—where promises were made but not kept, and thousands of dollars were lost.
Some common red flags:
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No contract or one-sided terms
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Poor communication
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Cookie-cutter covers or rushed editing
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Hidden fees
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No marketing strategy
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No accountability
And worst of all? No results.
You’re trusting someone with your story. Don’t do that blindly.
Why Authors Come Back to Beyond Publishing
Here’s what sets Beyond apart:
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Custom Strategy Sessions (not one-size-fits-all plans)
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Ghostwriting, Editing, and Coaching under one roof
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Book Launch & PR Strategy that gets media attention
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Translation, audiobook, and global reach options
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Author education and success coaching
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Christian and clean publishing options for faith-based books
And above all—we walk with you through the journey. You’re not just a project—you’re a partner.
A Word from Our Founder
“Publishing a book is deeply personal—and should be professionally handled. I founded Beyond Publishing so authors could have a high-integrity, full-service experience with real results. And that’s exactly what we deliver.”
– Michael D. Butler, Founder & CEO, Beyond Publishing
Final Thought: Talk to the People Who’ve Been There
You wouldn’t hire a contractor without checking their references. Don’t hire a publisher without doing the same. Ask:
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“Can I talk to one of your authors?”
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“Can I see your books at work—in stores, in media, at events?”
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“Can you prove distribution and results?”
The answers to these questions reveal everything.
Want to talk to one of our authors?
We’ll gladly connect you.
📞 Book your free book strategy call now: GetPublished.BeyondPublishing.net