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What the Big 4 Traditional Publishers Won’t Tell You (But You Need to Know)

What the Big 4 Traditional Publishers Won’t Tell You (But You Need to Know)

For decades, authors have dreamed of landing a book deal with a major publishing house. The allure of prestige, national bookstore placement, and an army of marketers behind your book feels like the golden ticket. But the truth behind the Big 4 publishers—Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, and Hachette—is far less glamorous than it appears.

In fact, more authors than ever before are turning to hybrid publishing and independent models because they’ve realized what the Big 4 won’t tell you.

What the Big 4 traditional publishers wont tell you

1. You’re Giving Up Your Rights

One of the most important things most traditional publishers won’t tell you up front is that you’re signing away your rights. This includes rights to your manuscript, title, cover, and even audio and foreign translations.

Want to republish or adapt your work later? You’ll likely need their permission—and may even owe them royalties.

With Beyond Publishing, our authors retain full ownership of their intellectual property. You control your future.

2. You Lose Creative Control

Once you sign with a traditional publisher, your voice is no longer entirely yours. Editors may change your title, restructure your content, or push for “market-friendly” revisions that compromise your message.

One author who came to us recently shared how her publisher renamed her memoir, changed key themes, and added a controversial chapter title—without her approval.

Our hybrid publishing model is collaborative. We provide professional editing and design support, but you are the final decision-maker.

3. They’re Slow to Publish

Traditional publishing timelines can be grueling. After you land an agent (which can take 6–18 months), you wait again for a publisher to accept your book. Then, it can be 12–24 months before it’s printed and available to the public.

Why wait 2+ years to tell your story?

At Beyond Publishing, our authors often go from manuscript to global release in 4–6 months—and sometimes faster when needed.

4. They Don’t Market Your Book

Unless you’re a New York Times bestselling celebrity, you’re expected to do all your own marketing. The myth that big publishers put serious marketing dollars behind every author is just that—a myth.

In fact, many traditionally published authors come to us to relaunch their books the right way—with marketing support and guidance that was never provided to them before.

We train every author to become a marketer, speaker, and brand builder—and provide the coaching and resources to make it happen.

5. Royalties Are Shockingly Low

Most traditionally published authors earn 7%–10% royalties—on net profit, not gross. After the distributor, bookstore, and publisher take their cuts, you’re left with crumbs.

Let’s say your book sells for $20 retail. After discounts, print costs, and distribution, your cut might be $1–$1.50 per book.

Hybrid authors often earn 60%–100% of the sale price, depending on the distribution platform.

With Beyond Publishing, your book goes into global bookstore and library distribution—and you keep the profits.

Why Authors Are Flocking to Hybrid Publishing

In today’s publishing landscape, authors want:

That’s exactly what hybrid publishing delivers—and it’s why it’s become the fastest-growing sector in the publishing industry.

At Beyond Publishing, we believe you should own your story—and profit from it. We’re not here to control your book. We’re here to partner with you to build your platform, grow your income, and expand your message worldwide.

What Makes Beyond Publishing Different?

Founded by Michael D. Butler, Beyond Publishing is a global hybrid publishing company based in Dallas, Texas and Bangkok, Thailand. We’ve published over 845 books by authors in 67 nations—and counting.

Unlike traditional publishers, we:

✅ Help you launch in months, not years
✅ Offer full editorial, design, and marketing support
✅ Get your book into bookstores and libraries worldwide, not just Amazon
✅ Empower you to become a speaker, coach, and thought leader
✅ Let you keep your rights and royalties
✅ Provide a free book consultation to help you take the first step

Whether you’re writing memoir, business, health, personal development, or fiction, we’ll help you turn your manuscript into a bestseller—and a brand.

A Real Story: From Traditional to Beyond

One of our authors, Jane (name changed for privacy), came to us heartbroken. She had signed a deal with a Big 4 publisher thinking her book would finally reach the masses. Instead:

She switched to Beyond Publishing, relaunched her book under her original title, created an audiobook version, and booked herself on 20+ podcasts. She’s now working on her third book with us and just landed a national speaking tour.

That’s the power of hybrid publishing done right.

Final Thought: Own Your Message

Your book is more than just words—it’s your legacy. Don’t sign away your message or let someone else profit from your story.

You’ve worked hard to write your book. Let us help you make the most of it.

📅 Schedule your free consult today:
👉 GetPublished.BeyondPublishing.net

About Beyond Publishing
Beyond Publishing is a global hybrid book publishing company headquartered in Dallas, Texas and Bangkok, Thailand. We help authors write, publish, and launch books that build authority and generate income. Services include ghostwriting, editing, cover design, interior layout, global bookstore and library distribution, audiobook production, and media coaching. With over 845 titles published in 67 nations, our average author publishes four books with us.
🌐 Visit: GetPublished.BeyondPublishing.net

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