Amazon vs Hybrid Publishing
Why Amazon Only Gets You So Far: How Hybrid Publishing Helps Authors Sell Books Beyond Amazon’s 25% Market Share
Why Amazon Only Gets You So Far: How Hybrid Publishing Helps Authors Sell Books Beyond Amazon’s 25% Market Share
When most aspiring authors think of publishing success, the first name that comes to mind is Amazon. And while Amazon is the world’s largest online bookstore and a powerful sales engine, it accounts for only about 25% of the global book sales market.
Yes, you read that right.
According to multiple publishing industry sources, Amazon controls roughly 40-50% of U.S. trade book sales but only around 25% of global book sales when factoring in brick-and-mortar stores, academic libraries, direct sales, bulk purchases, and international markets. (Source: Author Imprints, Statista, and IBPA estimates)
That means if you only publish through Amazon, you’re potentially missing out on 75% of the global opportunity to reach readers, grow your influence, and earn revenue.
🚨 The Amazon-Only Myth
Many first-time authors believe that self-publishing on Amazon is the only or best path to success. It’s fast, low-cost, and provides instant gratification. But here’s the reality:
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Your book competes with over 33 million other titles on Amazon.
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Amazon prioritizes its own imprints and ads, making visibility difficult without paid promotion.
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Bookstores won’t stock Amazon-only books, especially if they are printed by KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing).
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Libraries, schools, and non-profits often require books to be available through Ingram or other distributors.
So while Amazon is an important piece of the puzzle, it’s not the whole picture — especially for authors who want more than just digital sales.
📦 The Hybrid Publishing Advantage
Hybrid publishing bridges the gap between traditional publishing (which is notoriously slow and selective) and self-publishing (which often lacks professional support and global reach). Hybrid publishers offer authors the best of both worlds:
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✅ Professional editing, design, and production
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✅ Global distribution to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, Walmart, Asia Books, Kinokuniya Books and independent bookstores
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✅ Access to Global Connect
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✅ ISBN ownership (not tied to Amazon’s ecosystem)
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✅ Support with book marketing, launches, and media exposure
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✅ Higher royalties and creative control than traditional publishing
For an author who wants serious results — speaking engagements, media interviews, international exposure, and bulk orders — hybrid publishing is often the smartest move.
🌍 Reach the 75% You’re Missing
Let’s break down what “global book sales” actually means beyond Amazon:
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Independent Bookstores – Over 4,000 in the U.S. and thousands more globally, they rely on distributors like Ingram or Baker & Taylor.
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Academic Institutions and Libraries – Many require ISBNs from non-Amazon imprints and prefer library editions via wholesalers like Follett and OverDrive.
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Book Fairs and International Rights Sales – The Frankfurt Book Fair, London Book Fair, and Sharjah International Book Fair are goldmines for foreign rights deals and licensing opportunities. Not to mention the Bangkok Book Show every year in Bangkok Thailand.
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Big Box and Retail Chains – Walmart, Costco, Target, and Books-A-Million all order books via traditional wholesale networks.
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Bulk and Corporate Sales – Businesses, churches, and nonprofits often order in quantities of 100–10,000 — but not via Amazon.
Hybrid publishing positions your book to compete in all of these channels, not just Amazon’s search algorithm.
📈 Real Example: The Author Who Expanded Beyond Amazon
Let’s meet Dr. Sophia, a wellness coach who self-published her first book exclusively on Amazon. She made a few hundred dollars in royalties but couldn’t get traction beyond her local circle.
She later partnered with a hybrid publisher to re-release her book:
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The new edition had professional formatting and a stronger subtitle.
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The book was distributed globally via Global Connect, making it available to 39,000 retailers and 70,000 libraries.
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Within 3 months, she was invited to speak at a wellness summit and landed bulk orders from two hospitals and a nonprofit.
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Her new edition sold 10x more copies — mostly outside of Amazon.
🧭 Who Should Consider Hybrid Publishing?
Hybrid publishing isn’t for everyone. But if you check any of the boxes below, it might be for you:
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You want your book in bookstores, airports, or libraries
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You plan to use your book to build your brand, speak, or grow a business
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You value professional production and coaching support
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You want higher visibility, not just an Amazon page
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You’re tired of DIY and want a publishing partner
🔍 How to Vet a Hybrid Publisher
Not all hybrid publishers are created equal. Here are a few green flags to look for:
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✅ Transparent pricing and contracts
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✅ ISBNs in your name (not Amazon’s)
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✅ Global distribution (ask if they use Ingram)
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✅ References and testimonials from real authors
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✅ Help with marketing and launch — not just production
🏁 Conclusion: Don’t Settle for 25% of the Pie
Amazon is a powerful tool — but it’s just that, a tool, not a complete publishing strategy.
If you’re a new author with big dreams, don’t limit your success to one platform. A hybrid publisher can help you access the full 100% of the book market, present your book professionally, and turn your message into a movement.
Whether your goal is influence, impact, or income, hybrid publishing gives you the structure, support, and strategy to get your book into readers’ hands — all over the world.
📌 Ready to Go Beyond Amazon?
At Beyond Publishing, we’ve helped over 1,000 authors from 67 nations reach readers far beyond Amazon. From global bookstore distribution to foreign rights sales, we’re a full-service hybrid publishing partner invested in your success.
👉 Book a FREE publishing consultation today at GetPublished.BeyondPublishing.net