> ## Content Index
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> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# The Ultimate Argument for Hybrid Publishing
- URL: https://www.racketpublishing.com/blog/the-ultimate-argument-for-hybrid-publishing/
- Published: 2025-06-17T08:38:17.000Z
- Updated: 2026-01-19T19:38:05.000Z
- Description: Why it's best to strongly rethink working with traditional publishers these days.
- Author: Phil Simon
- Tags: Self-Publishing, Legacy Publishers

For years, I've been advocating for hybrid publishing. I wouldn't have started Racket—and [Motion](http://www.motionpub.com/?ref=racketpublishing.com) before that.

## Why Go Hybrid?

Count the following among the major benefits of hybrid publishing:

- Far more autonomy over the publishing process.
- The ability to [control your book's schedule](https://www.racketpublishing.com/blog/overlooked-benefit/) and [its price](https://www.racketpublishing.com/blog/author-horror-story-6-sticker-shock/).
- Ownership of all intellectual property.
- Far higher royalties.
- Greater transparency.

## Today's Publishing Landscape

I haven't banged one specific drum all that much: the financial one. In theory, the publisher that fronts you an advance will be solvent when your book releases a year or two from now. As such, you'll receive your royalties if your book earns out (although that's exceedingly difficult to do.)

Historically, this assumption has been reasonable.

As I write these words, it no longer is. 

## Bankruptcies: The *Other* Kind of Chapter

The bankruptcies of Unbound and [Albert Whitman & Co](https://www.albertwhitman.com/?ref=racketpublishing.com) have sadly demonstrated that authors who work with legacy publishers are rolling the dice.

Unbound folded and became Boundless, but the new legal entity isn't [honoring the financial obligations of its predecessor](https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/international/international-book-news/article/97775-u-k-s-bankrupt-unbound-still-owes-millions-to-creditors.html?ref=racketpublishing.com). If you had signed a contract with Unbound, then the following message will infuriate you:

![Image depicting errors](https://storage.ghost.io/c/33/fa/33fa879c-f3fb-496e-890f-14505310beac/content/images/2025/07/boundless.jpeg) 

**Source:** [Writer Beware](https://tinyurl.com/racket-boundless?ref=racketpublishing.com)

This legal hair-splitting has justifiably irked Unbound's authors. How could it not?

[Be Wary of Bestseller ClaimsOverly generic ones engender the same suspicions as their overly specific counterparts.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/33/fa/33fa879c-f3fb-496e-890f-14505310beac/content/images/icon/newball-1-36.png)Racket PublishingPhil Simon![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/33/fa/33fa879c-f3fb-496e-890f-14505310beac/content/images/thumbnail/award.jpg)](https://www.racketpublishing.com/blog/specious-bestseller-claims/)

## What You Need to Know

Authors find it frustrating as hell when publishers charge an exorbitant price for their books.[\[1\]](#fn1) Ditto if they delay titles' releases without explanation. Still, Boundless's move is especially unconscionable. Maybe it's legal, maybe not. I'm no lawyer.

I am certain, however, that authors who eschewed Boundless for reputable hybrid presses like Racket feel like they've dodged a bullet precisely because they have.

Pursue a deal with a traditional publisher if you like. Just know in advance you may well face these types of financial shenanigans and all the stress that comes along with it.

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1. Especially since their royalty rates are so low. It's akin to realtors [not caring if their clients sell their homes for as much as they can](https://forum.nachi.org/t/exerpt-from-freakonomics-book-regarding-real-estate-agents/56492?ref=racketpublishing.com). [↩︎](#fnref1)